Dark Batida: Narciso's Industrial Sound Evolves

Producer DJ Narciso has meticulously developed a unique dark, industrial approach to the batida genre. Unlike peers focused on faster tempos, Narciso has explored tarraxo, a slower, more swaggering variation of kuduro designed for intimate dancing. This distinct sound, characterized by its 90-100 BPM tempo, adds a unique swagger to the contemporary batida scene.

His recent release on SVBKVLT showcases this refined style, embracing a haunting, gothic sound design that thrives in the label's cavernous, 21st-century club music environment. Tracks like 'Segredo' feature quaking kick drums and 'Terrugem' evokes the fizz of cutlass parries, transforming tarraxo into an unwieldy, nightmarish waltz, perfect for a ghostly pirate ship.

While some tracks on the new release stick to faster, techno-leaning rhythms, where Narciso's unique sonic elements still lurk, others occasionally feel like missed opportunities. However, his most compelling moments highlight his ability to create otherworldly club music, making the most of slower tempos or minimalist arrangements that allow his distinctive sound to flourish.