Sferro - Escapism

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Sferro’s “Escapism” underpins a shimmering galaxy of sound with dancefloor-filling house beats and a surprising emotional depth captured in synthesized sound. The artist has a palette which journeys through cool jazzy grooves to ethereal light oozing from delicate tones, evoking late nights at the club, relaxation, penthouses and drives through the night. The artist has a skill for weaving images that transcend the ordinary, taking me into his sonic world.

At the centre of “Escapism” is Sferro’s knack for combining sonic tones, timbres and textures to paint cinematic pictures. Each track uses an extensive mixture of different sounds to create mood and atmosphere, the artist weaving the different elements into one lusciously flowing whole. I enjoy the way in which this album goes beyond simply creating dancefloor bangers into a place of emotion.

Another strong part of “Escapism” is the melodic evocation of different sensations and moods. Sferro makes each track into a little journey, full of bursting energy and excitement. His ability to write melodies that grab hold and won't let go adds depth to the music. I also enjoy the way in which he matches melodies and synth sounds to produce the most fulfilling end result.

It isn't always easy to bring together danceability and listenability, but Sferro does so well on “Escapism” The groove makes me want to dance, but I can also just lay back and listen, letting the sounds wash over me and transport me to another place and time. The way in which I surf on the music is a big part of the reason why I enjoy this album.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“People Come Together” creates a bubbling chant, chopped-up vocal sounds revolving before a thumping house beat begins to fill the imaginary dance floor in my head. Hand claps add sonic texture before a snare drum gives a crisp snap to the three-dimensional bass, with open tones evoking the diaphanous glide of touching hands.

Melodic tones create a sense of floating relaxation, lending late-night chill to the proceedings as hypnotic beats interlock. Tumbling over itself, the angular note pattern with its strangely vocalized feeling contrasts with the laid-back sensations flowing from above it, keeping my ears fascinated.

Ringing with bright delicacy, echoing notes slip past before a melody like softly touching breezes wraps me in a blanket of contemplative calm, while a piano hovers, exuding deep blue emotion above the heartbeat that guides the track smoothly to a close.

Endlessly textured notes hover together as “Goodyear” glides into existence with a voiceover talking about how it's definitely going to be a good year. As the crystal tones continue to reverberate in a cascading line, weighty motion comes from the house beat which adds roundness to glittering brilliance.

A bouncing tonal pattern shimmies with joyful luminosity, capturing exuberance and easy going sensations. Insistently pulsating tones slip with an aquatic sound while the four on the floor beat adds depth and undeniable grooviness. All of the radiance that glimmers out grabs hold of me before the track closes.

“Eternal Summer” has a thousand stars falling through a deep bass field in sparkling waves before the locked-in drum beat starts the dance floor pulse, like hearts moving together along with hips. All of the calm relaxation of a summer evening, lit by a moon spilling silver light, suffuses me.

A melodic line bursts in with a lively eruption of horn energy, driven by the heavy drum beat locked with the driving bass. In the break, the horns echo as the beat returns with a dense heave, evoking the sweaty joy of a midnight club. A mixture of funk and chill washes through the crystalline notes that carry the drifting melodic pattern, full of easygoing power.

Boogieing down, the low end trembles with swaying dynamism as vocals wordlessly echo. Percussion ticks before the thundering beat throbs again and slipping notes shine like street lights coming on in a sultry evening, celebratory energy suffusing a crowd before the track ends.

Misty notes drift with disembodied grace and wash through the air, forming a melodic pattern over hissing cymbals as “Escapism” gently comes alive and momentum begins to build as the ticking percussive elements lock together.

Invoking tumbling leaves, a slow, tripping pulse moves above the subtle house beat. Bass creates a groovy flow, while higher notes generate gossamer sensations that caress like a soft touch. More technological sounds drift above, images of reflections in passing windows flickering, while the locked-in drums and an even pulse of wriggling tones lull me into a relaxed state.

A disconnection from stress permeates the broadly echoing tones that make up the thoughtful melody while a delicate wave slides beneath, underlayers creating a continual sense of motion. Ticking percussion slowly fades into silence as the track closes out.

“Tranquil” floats with serenity, reverberating sounds spreading outward into a wide space, transmitting pure feelings of calm release in a synth tone that glows with azure radiance. Growing in strength, the beat surges in an undulating flow, moving me into a state of concentrated relaxation as the backing tones levitate like clouds across a moonlit sky.

I sail away, my body lifted by hypnotic rhythms and sounds that support me like a mossy pillow. Expanding and contracting, the beat moves like ripples on a steel pond before intertwining and propelling again. A sound with elegant, slightly vocal qualities flows in a blue line, creating sensations that banish stress and transport the listener to a landscape of soothing emotion.

A segment of percussive pulsations shuffles, broken and divided, moving into open space with active vibrations. A low xylophone trembles as bubbling notes move like effervescent clouds through the open space. Drums and bass move in a shifting pattern before the house beat returns and sensations of laid-back, easygoing movement carry the song to an end.

Conclusion

“Escapism” is a gem that travels further than a strictly dancefloor-oriented house album would go. The way in which Sferro gives the music depth and emotional strength moves it beyond the average four-on-the-floor house music groove into something full of life and feeling. This is definitely a repeatable listening experience for me.