Chromophobia

Gui Boratto is one of the artists destined to become favorites among many other musicians. After a series of releases on various labels such as K2, Audiomatique, Plastic City, and Kompakt, the Brazilian Boratto received end-of-year recognition from Michael Mayer, Tiefschwarz, Steve Bug, Phonique, Martin Landsky, and Hernan Cattaneo—figures whose opinions are valued. Those distant from the music world may receive such praise coolly, but listening to the album cannot leave even them indifferent. Boratto's production work has brought him to the forefront of all the artists on Kompakt; the album 'Chromophobia' is a mix of styles, like colors on a palette, with which the musician operates with the impressive dexterity of a gifted artist. "Chromophobia" opens with the synthesizer improvisation of the track "Scene 1"; the melody and chord structures in the style of one of the founders of electronic music Giorgio Moroder create the impression of an excerpt from a forgotten soundtrack to a 1980s film. Such a musical prologue sets the perfect tone for the album: uplifting in mood and at the same time hinting at the existence of hidden sides of Boratto's music yet to be discovered. By illuminating the music with joyful emotions, Boratto artistically plays with contrasts. He alternates the warm glowing tones of "Scene 1" with the metallic minimalism of "Mr. Decay"—a track selected from the classic Plastikman. The latter is a pulsating cyclone of rhythm from the very metal core of electronic music. Once again proving that techno critics who doubt the possibility of creating a complete LP are grossly mistaken, the track "Terminal 7" features a pronounced bass line and is full of melodiousness, flowing into the unruly chaos and at the same time soft static of "Gate 7". "Beautiful Life" showers you with waves of benchmark pop sound, while the brilliant track "The Blessing" is techno in the style of Tejada. Closing the album with the composition "The Verdict," shaded in soft pink, Boratto makes the final touch to an album capable of captivating from the very first listen.