Things are getting mighty crowded in the global beats compilation racks at the moment. Every week seems to bring on another collection of lost gems, quirky genres, tantilising back stories or classy kitsch and here’s one more that might tempt you. Except Síntesis Moderna: An Alternative Vision Of Argentinian Music 1980-1990, set for release via Soundway Records on October 21st, really is a ‘must have’ rather than a ‘may be’.
There are three reasons why this expansive excavation of dormant electro-pop energy requires serious attention. First it’s been diligently curated by people close to these particular roots, ‘go-to’ Argentinian DJ/Producers Ric Piccolo and Ariel Harari. Yes, they care. Secondly the compilation captures a time of cultural shift and creative flourish as Argentina staggered from the grip of dictatorship to democracy. So, it’s a collection with significance. Lastly the music, a sizzling combination of disco, funk, post punk, jazz, tango and techno all wired electronically for the dancefloor, repeatedly hits the spot.
The first taster from Sintesis Moderna drives that message home. ‘A Ver, A Ver‘ by sixties pop balladeer Donald saw the mainstream superstar take up the electro challenge with a youthful relish. Presented on the album as an incisive edit by compiler Ric Piccolo, the track takes a Cameo-flavoured retro-funk starting point and ups the steamy bump and grind. The beats are big, the vocoder hazy plus there’s all the drops, dubs, zooms and booms that you could want. Shrewdly leaving enough space for an ecstatic, ‘fists in air’ disco chant to add another pulse, this cut has real character.
With eighteen more essential tracks from this treasure trove on offer and even a triple vinyl option, there are nothing but good vibrations coming from the Sintesis Moderna announcement.
Pre-order your copy of ‘Sintesis Moderna: An Alternative Vision Of Argentinian Music 1980-1990’ from your local record store or pre-order direct from: https://soundwayrecords.bandcamp.com/album/s-ntesis-moderna-an-alternative-vision-of-argentinean-music-1980-1990
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