Following the release of recent single “Shakti”, one of Australia’s most enigmatic electronic artists, Ribongia unveils his long-waited debut album M∆∆T, out today on October Records.
Highly celebrated for his verve and inventiveness, M∆∆T comprises of twelve impeccable tracks, showcasing the Firenze-via-Sydney producer's sheer talent for delivering quality left-of-field electronica, full of matchless collaborations and sonic surprises at every turn. Having travelled the globe multiple times over - from spending time in his hometown of Florence, relocating to Australia, travelling to South America & Europe regularly and completing artist residences in both Reunion Island and Mauritius - it's no surprise that Ribongia's inspiration is drawn from music all around the world.
Captivating from the outset, the aptly named “Intro” opens the album, enlisting the spoken word of Sydney-based electronic artist ET Le Createur to set the scene. “Pilgrimage” follows on, luring you deeper before swiftly kicking into gear with the introduction of Ribongia’s dynamic beats and trademark experimental percussion. Featuring smooth raps from HVNCOQ and soulful melodies of Sydney's Jannah Beth, “King Kong” continues the pace, before hitting full-throttle with Ribongia’s most recent cut, the exhilarating body-mover “Shatki”. “Dreams” arrives next, softening the mood with its chilled grooves that flow effortlessly into the relaxed vocals of Jye Whiteman & Jannah Beth who returns in “Floating on Sorrow”.
Ribongia continues to push the envelope with his creativity and unique aural alliances on last year's striking electro number “Golden”, highlighting the untamed vocals of acclaimed Melbourne producer Owen Rabbit, followed triumphantly by the on-point pairing with UK grime MC Footsie on “We Run Tings”, which soundtracked a Bonds campaign last year. Venturing towards the album's closing tracks, instrumental dance floor hit and community radio favourite “Sonder” is next to leave an impression, with “Coming Undone” featuring the soothing RnB vocals of ELSZ, hot on its tail. Jannah Beth returns for a final performance, joining Cape Town’s YoungstaCPT in the shimmery, tropical tune “Before the Winter”, before “Rituals” whose colourful synths and upbeat rhythm round out the enthralling M∆∆T exploration.
The highly-anticipated debut comes as a welcome delivery for Ribongia fans, following a slew of inspired singles and EPs, including his 2014 debut EP It Began and follow up EP in 2016 Escapisms (which landed him a nomination for Record of the Year at the FBi SMAC Awards and props from outlets like Pigeons & Planes).
Having maintained a strong live presence the last couple of years with a national headline tour, support duties for Hermitude's 14-date European run, performances at Newcastle’s THIS THAT festival, as well as ringing in 2018 at the sold-out Lost Paradise, Ribongia’s impressive run is set to continue with M∆∆T as the driving force - further cementing his reputation as one of the most forward-thinking, boundary-pushing talents in Australia.
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