Live percussionist turned DJ/producer, Rafael Moraes, first made a name for himself in the Brazilian house scene when he took command of the radio program Beats Eldorado; a platform upon which he was able to showcase his aptitude for mixing genres of modern electronic music. Here he presents intelligently blends elements of jazz, broken beat, Latin rhythms and deep house. 'Ahead' demonstrates his expertise and creativity in fusing different rhythms with Caribbean and Brazilian genres; intricate beats that gain momentum over a poignantly incessant piano loop and the equally yearning vocals of Torquato. The heat rises ever so slightly with the thumping b line and off beat rhythms of ‘What’, yet the trance like spectrum of sounds make it an ideal track for 5 in the morning. The B side’s 'Birth' is equally, if not more, meditative. This tranquil and organic blend of hushed whispers and Amazonian sounds, coupled with the gradual and refined crescendo of rhythms leaves you with a sense of completion; a sense that “Modern Traditions”, Moraes’ labor of love, is finally delivered.
Published: 4th October 2012