Between some intense FIFA sessions and Jackson’s new beach-libertine way of living, Thomass and Theus found some time to make a bit of new music. Live jamming at the beginning and then, in pandemic times via the world wide web, they managed to finish 4 tracks that are a slideshow of all the things they like, hate and a bit more. After brilliant appearances on Correspondant, Futureboogie, and Duro, Lyon-based collective and label HARD FIST now welcome the first collaborative EP of these two major artists in the Mexican psychedelic contemporary scene.
‘Clubby’, the opening piece to the ‘El Venao’ EP, introduces itself with thunderous snares as they traverse over a restless bassline that treads through subterranean passageways, where synths spring and echo creating a mysterious ambiance. With every twist and turn, ‘Clubby’ becomes more infectious, showcasing a myriad of quirky, synthetic sounds that provide a most welcomed touch of effervescence. Both serious yet fun in equal parts, ‘Clubby’ serves as a fresh introduction that sets the tone perfectly for the rest of the record.
Continuing with a skitterish groove, ‘Don Palenque’ entrances listeners from the onset with a heavily modulated monologue and chunky bassline. Just a few bars down the rabbit hole, and the pair greet us with shimmering synth sequences that wriggle like earworms, digging deeper through echoing vox effects that get lost in a beautiful, groovy chaos born from pure grit. ‘Don Palenque’, while never menacing, definitely signals a darker turn in sonic aesthetics. Follow-up act ‘El Venao’ pursues a slithering low end that meanders through a rock-solid frame and growling stabs in slow-burning fashion as Jackson & Mago hit the breaks and see reality warped of out time as they look out the window. As the track unfurls, the pair kick up some white noise and sustained stabs that infuse the piece with unique tension that perfectly exemplifies their attraction to the more left-fielded side of techno.
For its part, ‘Don Palenque (Future Trance 2.0)’ showcases a more brash and direct side to the second cut as Jackson and Mago step out of the haze for an instant and bend reality back for a peak time outing. Living up to its ‘Future Trance 2.0’ tag, the alternative edit to ‘Don Palenque’ propels listeners through a neon-laced, drug-induced sugar rush. But ‘Don Palenque’ is not the only piece to go under the knife, as Ana Helder delivers a showstopping take on the EP opener. Maximizing the wonky and delectable synthline that sits at the heart of ‘Clubby’, Argentine Jacker Ana Helder takes the piece to new heights with a pristine groove covered in dirty hats that is bound to set dancefloors alight with a smashing low end a glittering coating. A most powerful reinterpretation, this new take on ‘Clubby’ is a testament to Ana Helder’s Jacking sound.
Thomass Jackson & Theus Mago’s ‘El Venao’ EP is out now via HARD FIST. Purchase your copy here.
