- Cutting-edge techno from Brazil and Paraguay.
- Macro Hits has a simple but satisfying mission: to highlight energetic dance music from countries across Latin America. With Amanda Mussi and Ananda behind it—two of the continent's most knowledgeable and important DJs—they're well-positioned to do that. The São Paulo-based imprint kicks off with two compilations called Sudor—"sweat"—collecting tracks by artists from Brazil and Paraguay. The second volume is a convincing collection of techno, chunky house and breakbeat full of spit and vinegar.
Sudor Vol. 2 highlights a scene that holds its own with anything coming out of Europe, from the floaty breakbeat techno of the opening track by Sebastian G to SLOW's epic closer, "Universal Love." The almost symphonic breakdown in "Universal Love" apes the melody of Bronski Beat's "Smalltown Boy" with a dramatic sweep that reminds me of some of the recent Eurodance edits you hear on HÖR. In between all that is muscular techno that bursts with vibrant color and textures, like the gleaming chimes on Victoria Mussi's "Casa," the lively rave throwback of Paraguayan veteran Cosmo Lopez or the excitable arpeggios of Alex Sheeny's contribution, which brighten the dark corners of an otherwise thumping techno track.
The producers on this compilation balance aggression with speed and positive energy with an ease that other artists could learn from. Nog4yra's "Oração ao Superego" matches its driving kick drums with thick, almost coagulated acid lines and a general sheen of psychedelia that calls back to the Crystal Method's first album. This is acid techno that feels huge in scope as well as sound, three-dimensional and as well-produced as a Hollywood blockbuster. Projekt Gestalten's "Cruel Methods Of Punishment" might be the dark horse standout, taking a dronier tack to acid: churning, chaotic and full of shouted vocals, yet never coming off as particularly sadistic or macho. Gestalten, the project of Brazilian artist Diego Garcia, is something of a known quantity in Berlin now, but Sudor Vol. 2 highlights his roots and the scene he comes from—one producing some of the best techno anywhere in the world right now.
Tracklist01. Sebastian G - Like A Dream
02. Alex Sheeny - In A Society That Has Destroyed All Adventure
03. Nog4yra - Oraçao Ao Superego
04. Projekt Gestalten - Cruel Methods Of Punishment
05. Félix - Vendaval
06. Victoria Mussi - Casa
07. Cosmo Lopez - Rave Freaks In Isolation
08. SLOW - Universal Love