Crystal Ark / Touch

DFA

The Crystal Ark – which in 2010 produced two hypnotic singles ("The Tangible Presence of the Miraculous" and "The City Never Sleeps") – sees producer Gavin Russom at his most rhythm-focused; its output is an inspired, audible manifestation of the audio whiz's love for Brazilian and Afro-Latino music. On The Crystal Ark's latest single, the digital only release "Touch", Russom and primary co-conspirator, singer Viva Ruiz, begin with enough polyrhythmic percussive sounds to get things – and packed rooms of listeners – moving from the very start. A persistent funk element underlies the track throughout, the result of multiple basslines at work. Russom and Ruiz each contribute vocals in English and Spanish, and their voices move from beckoning to forceful over the rising arc of the song. The track is paired with an instrumental version, which strips away the vocals, but not the driving exigency of the original song.   "Touch" is the first Crystal Ark release to feature the band's live incarnation, which expands on the sound from the studio-based recordings that preceded it. The list of players includes Electroputas member Jaiko Suzuki and artist Sokhna Heathyre Mabin (backing vocals); LCD/!!!'s Tyler Pope (bass); previous collaborator Alberto Lopez (percussion); and producer/multi-instrumentalist/LCD contributor Matt Thornley (electronics).

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