Given our prior review of Marina Herlop's latest album, I'd like to take this opportunity to delve into Igloohost's newest single, featuring Marina as a collaborator. Igloohost mentions that he and Marina are long-time friends, and they collaborated remotely over the internet to construct these tracks. The sources of inspiration behind the music are intriguing, ranging from germs and microbes to illegal oil computers and mechanical systems.

Describing these tracks in a synesthetic manner, I'd liken both songs in the single to a weathered rug adorned with intricate, captivating designs. Not the luxurious Turkish carpets woven from sumptuous silk, mind you, but rather, these old rugs bear patterns crafted from iron dust, nails, and plaster debris.

From a formal standpoint, the first piece maintains a relatively uncomplicated structure, following a straightforward 4/4 metric with short, easily hummable rhythmic figures. Despite their brevity and repetition, these figures contribute to a wild and frenetic atmosphere. Moreover, Marina Herlop's voice harmonies introduce variety by shifting the harmony every measure, adding an element of constant evolution. The song's rapid pace bombards the listener with a continuous progression of evolving chords, creating a relentless energy.

Motifs shift abruptly without warning, initially feeling like interruptions, accompanied by thick bass and weighty drops. The song doesn't allow you a moment's rest until its final minutes. Towards the end, there's a sudden, more subtle shift in tone, prominently showcasing the delightful vocal constructions of Marina Herlop. There's even a subtle change in rhythm from 4/4 to 6/8.

Following the conclusion of the initial piece, the second track emerges with a similar rusty ambiance. Surprisingly, the featured theme is recycled from the preceding song. I appreciate composers who recycle their own material; witnessing the same themes and motifs presented in an entirely different setting and mood demonstrates the expansive possibilities within the proposed musical material– as well as the prowess of the composer. However, it's rare to encounter such almost literal quotations, note by note, shared between tracks on the same single.

The second piece is less explosive but intriguing in its texture and timbre. All the instruments carry ample saturation or distortion, featuring a clearer and more straightforward melodic line for the singers. It also exudes a more danceable vibe; the song doesn't demand excessive attention to be enjoyed, a stark contrast to the first track where a momentary lapse might cause a significant loss due to its celerity and complexity.

Explore this artist further; their other albums offer a diverse array of experiences. Iglooghost appears to be a highly versatile artist, traversing adventurous symphonic journeys to gritty electronic escapades."

Author: Martín Cacho

Martín is a video game composer, producer and writer from Sonora, México.