Barbuto

Review – Barbuto’s debut EP Arcana on Octopus Recordings

Artist: Barbuto
Title: Arcana
Label: Octopus
Cat No: OCT71
Release: 06/04/2015
Genre: Techno

Barcelona based Octopus records owned by Sian, has released some massive tracks in its across the realms of Techno over the last few years. This EP consists of two tracks from a label debutant Barbuto.

Texan based producer Barbuto serves up a nice rolling techno EP. The first track ‘Arcana’ starts off with a warm subby low-end and a somewhat eerie drowning background filler which gradually builds into the first break. The low-end is removed and replaced by a rather heavily distorted vocal before releasing back into full swing. The groove is a simple one almost minimal in some respects which cruising along before a echoed riff is added and develop the feel of the track, before dropping into the main break. The aforementioned distorted vocal reappears before all the percussion is removed then subtlety builds nicely back into the main loop. The track is now in full show with the echoed riff proving a nice compliment to the precussive elements. A perfect track for warm up DJs bag for sure.

The second track on the EP and very interestingly named ‘Twilight Imperium’ continues along the lines of its predecessor with elements of a minimal nature. The track driven with its percussion and a vocal stab leads into a mini break before a heavily reverbed stab adds to mix. It works well with what seems to be a ride like pad in the background. This moves us into the main break which winds down slowly stripping off the high end parts then the low-end to be left with filtered short synth stab like sound before the filter opens and leads back into the main loop. The distorted vocal continues and is now the feature, before been filtered down and thus beginning the outro.

A solid two track EP from the stateside producer. Perhaps something of what a different flavour to what you would you would usually hear on the Spanish label but would suit as warm DJ without a doubt. - Decoded Magazine

Track of the Day: Barbuto “Twilight Imperium”
MAR 31, 2015 / Sam Yu
Being invited to join the ranks of the Octopus Recordings crew doesn’t come easy. Just ask Barbuto, the newest addition to the label’s roster. Originally from Australia, and now holding it down in Austin, Christian Barbuto has been cutting his teeth to cultivate the underground circuit in Texas through a slammin’ residency at Kingdom. His efforts have obviously not gone unnoticed, considering label head SIAN rolled out the welcome mat and brought him aboard his team of trusted techno disciples.

Forging insane grooves from his mobile studio, Barbuto has shown up with his debut EP in hand for the imprint. On the flip of his two-track effort, Arcana, he breaks out the dancefloor lube with “Twilight Imperium.” Dark and chugging, a staunch groove unravels around psychotic stabs, warping pads and brutish basslines. It’s top-grade, and yet there’s still so much promise left ahead of Barbuto’s rise to power.

Available April 6 via Octopus Recordings.



Where you impulsive on this track, or did you have a sketch in mind? Everything I do is impulsive, not just producing! Basically, when the creative juices are flowing, I get to work on some sounds and grooves and keep molding, clicking, pressing and sliding till the frequencies feel good and I'm having fun! Like you hear from so many producers, this tune just came together quickly and easy. Wish it was like that all the time!

Was there one particular moment in the recording or mixing process of this track that made you feel as though you were creating something pretty darn special?
Yes, when my techno-fiend girlfriend asks, "IS THIS ONE YOURS?!” If I hear that in the background, I know I'm heading in the right direction.

Do you think advances in computer technology and gear have affected your creativity?
For sure, and you are talking to a pretty computer-illiterate guy. Aside from my lil Phatty synth, everything is in the box, so I would be lost without the "in the box" work flow. The simplicity of zooming, cutting/pasting automation and all the fun plugins these days makes making great music possible, where all hardware setups from the past were unrealistic for me, both financially as well as knowing how to use it all.

Have you played this one out in any of your sets?
Yes, I just played it last night at about 4am to a slammed after-hours session in Austin (yes, Texans do love their techno), and it was awesome! Love to hear those frequencies creep out that only a big system puts out, as well as a few oohs and aahs from the crowd.

If this song were a color, what color would it be?
A soft shade of BLACK, of course! - Insomniac

One quick glance at some of the names that have produced on Octopus Recordings, and it’s obvious that Sian’s label has always meant business. Even so, with their records supported by some of the biggest names in the scene, they arguably do fly under the radar somewhat - even more so when we consider the actual tunes that they’ve served up over the years. That said, label head Sian has always been considered a canny operator by those in the know, and he reminds us just why with this fearsome two-tracker.

It all gets going thanks to the astute sounds of the title track, Arcana, which is a rolling piece of techno magic that engulfs the listener in a moody haze right from the off. Full of sharp-as-you-like drums and snares that proverbially get under the skin, it’s the sort of track that’s best suited to a dark, smoky club especially.

Elsewhere, we have ‘Twilight Imperium’, which is a sophisticated tech-house track with its own sense of vigour and purpose. Drop either of these bad boys at the right time and on the right system, and you’re sure to be in for a real treat. - Ibiza Voice

Guest mix, live interview & biography
http://kissfm.com.au/guest-mix/guest-mix-6pm-friday-13th-may-barbuto - KISSFM Melbourne Australia