• Vocal-snippet centred structure
• Exotic and lighter take on Tribal Room
• Hit or miss composition, considering its focus
“Mai Tai” serves itself as a big “hit or miss”, just like the homonymous cocktail: in my case, I find it too sweet for my liking. Speaking about this new Maxximize release, I must admit that there is potential here, but also a big weakness.
If you perhaps don’t prefer the vocal loop, well, then you can’t handle even ten seconds of this “Tribal Room” release, because the structure is built around it. Personally, I enjoyed how this unusual trio added a lot of ethnic elements on it, delivering an experience that, sure is mostly focused on the hypnotic rhythms, but also in a refreshing tonality. It’s not the heavy, hard-hitting Tribal Room we are used to, but something more exotic and lighter. I can imagine the stereotypical Hawaiian dancer in her tropical costume dancing to it; and this is unlikely when I’m listening to any random act, say KURA.
Speaking about the creators, you may have heard Pessto and Mountblaq around, if you listen to Revealed and Fonk. They are talented guys, with Pessto more focused on “Fonkish” groovy Electro House and on the other hand, Mountblaq mastered in Big Room. This is an unexpected, yet efficient, team-up.
The “Mai Tai” magic is in the elements: I can recognize birds chirping, unusual drums, arabic flutes and continuous variations in the formula, constantly mixed with the tribal vocal loop. There is a lot of effort behind this job and I respect it.
Concluding, “Mai Tai” is an interesting spin on Tribal Room: it has Mountblaq aggressiveness with its steel drums, and Pessto’s atypical personality. It uses a surprising collection of samples tinged in an exotic aura. You may love it, you may hate it, mostly depends on its principal element, the vocal loop. Personally, I think it works effectively, but I doubt whether to put “Mai Tai” on repeat mode, it becomes monotonous in the long run.
What do you think?
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