Balanga by Semprey

We haven't had a proper balanga in such a long time… Who can stop the ideas flowing in Semprey's head though? This new EP from the young producer aims to move your body, even if it's just in the kitchen or the living room. It's bass music, but a different kind, based on the sounds of traditional Kashubian burczybas.

Semprey lives in Kraków and this is his first official release. As a DJ he played most of the Tańce parties where he was simply sensational, getting known for his excellent edits of pop and rap tunes. As a producer he turned out to be one of the most talented in the city, breaking the mental barrier between dance and hip hop scenes.

Polish instruments sound different through Semprey's lenses. Burczybas, ocarina, ratchets and rattles might come from a Polish village but make his sound closer to the East Coast club music from the US. The opener—"Bomblerka"—is majestic and full of pomp, but very playful when it comes to percussion: ticking, scraping and tapping in a very dynamic mix.

"Jazda" is second on the EP and shows a more aggressive side of Semprey. Fascinated by the burczybas sound, he turns the low frequencies into dirty and rugged drops that flow gracefully on the carnival beat despite their weight.

"Dobranoc 🌈” is dedicated to the Polish LGBTQ+ community. It's the most melodic track on the EP, bringing back the memories of most euphoric clubbing moments: unity on the dancefloor, light beaming through dirty club windows at sunrise, mornings at the beaches, meadows and forests. Full of "put your hands up in the air" moments, it can slide into various sets, from house to trap ones.

The last track on the EP features Gabrysia and Zosia, two kids locked in home by the pandemic. Their untamed energy is channelled in every second of "Balanga". Based on an insistent ocarina loop, it's another lively track inspired by the need for new experiences, meetings and freedom.

New dance music from Poland.

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