Lisbon-based Xinobi (Bruno Cardoso) is translating his vibrant energy into house music that makes the whole world want to party. On March 24th, he released his second full-length On the Quiet on Discotexas, the label that Cardoso and his friend Moullinex operate. The album certainly seems to hold true to its title, as the rest of the world has been enjoying it and America seems to be on the tail end of making its acquaintance.
But that’s OK. We’ve got you.
We start out with the lush sounds of running water in “Skateboarding”, making us feel less like we’re zooming down the streets on our board and more like we’re enjoying fresh water from a waterfall. But that all changes about a minute in, when the sound effects start to feel more video game like, and then you realize Xinobi is mirroring the feelings and sounds associated with traversing landscape on your board. Not only that, but “Skateboarding” features a recorded speech by one of Xinobi’s idols, Ian MacKaye about the sport.
How insightful.
But that’s the deal with this record. Xinobi utilizes sound effects you don’t necessarily consider as music, and brings us such interesting bass and reverb that you can’t help but bob your head and sway your hips. “Far Away Place” stays in the same tempo range as its predecessor, as though it’s continuing this atmosphere that Xinobi has established. Plus – though I have not noted it yet – he uses interesting vocal clips over his tracks, bringing together both spoken word and unique, but familiar, sound.
Water sounds continue to be the driving force throughout the solid 7-track release, making it perfect for the coming warm weather months. Songs like “Morning Fix” and “Gili Meno” bring both a beauty in their composition, as well as brutal honesty in the lyrics (i.e. “We don’t care anymore”).
Every individual aspect of On the Quiet comes together to make it a true force, held together by the idea of feeling freedom in the music.
On the Quiet is available now.
