TULUM, 26 Nov
Skatman, Tal Fussman 'Back to the Swamp' on Cognitive Prophecy
Massano placed 'Back to the Swamp' sixth of 18 in the Guest Curator: Massano chart on 14 November. The track, filed as Melodic House and Techno, arrived on Cognitive Prophecy in November. Skatman's catalogue runs to eight releases since December 2020, weighted toward Innervisions, which accounts for six of them; the most recent before this was 'Save Me EP', on Watergate Records, in August.
The chords carry 'Back to the Swamp', with the percussion thin on the ground beneath them. The mix stays held back, with plenty of room under the peaks, and the top end sits bright, an open, patient read that gives the chords space to lead. Sixth of 18 in a curated chart this size is a fair result for a track that leans on space rather than density.
The label said
Cognitive Prophecy, Bandcamp about text · sourceThe third Cognitive Prophecy release is birthed, as label boss Skatman shares the fruits of his debut collaboration with Tal Fussman.
The two artists met mid-way through 2022, quickly connecting over a shared musical philosophy and view on the scene. A succession of studio dates was the natural next step.
The inspiring four tracker Do You', is the result. The title track is a transcendental dancefloor trip driven by organic grooves, while being weird in all the right places. No surprise it was a highlight of Dixon's Boiler Room at Printworks. 'Back to the Swamp' keeps the vibe subterranean, a rolling cheeky slice of prog made for late-night moments.
Over the next two cuts, we're treated to solo efforts from the respective producers. Fussman crafts 'Freeze', which unfolds with delicate beauty, as layers of melody reveal themselves gradually, supported by a crunchy backbone of percussion. The perfect juxtaposition. Skatman takes the reigns to close with 'Telepathy', imbuing the driving track with a special energy that swings between the freaky and the celestial.