d.Silvestre: "Brazilian Funk Drum Pattern; a partir dai vale tudo.” ("Brazilian Funk Drum Pattern; after that, everything is possible")
The rise of Brazilian funk has provided two distinct sonic themes: the aforementioned "Brazilian Funk Drum Pattern” and distortion. Embracing both of these, Sao Paulo's d.silvestre has always pushed funk mandelao (his hometown's variant of the genre) to its limits. O Que as Mulheres Querem, his new record, does too; but also strips each part back, arranging and placing carefully in space for maximal impact.
The opening track ‘Vem Por Cima’ explodes rather than introduces. It feels like a controlled detonation, designed to trigger an undeniable instinct on any dance floor, backyard, or street. Thus begins a string of lethal mp3s, designed to dispense red signal peaking wavelengths on busted CDJs.
O Que as Mulheres Querem is rooted within the funk genre, while reinterpreting itself amongst a range of influences. ‘Sem Moralismo’ evokes sleazy EDM drums and synths reminiscent of ‘Satisfaction’ by Benny Banasi, reinvented with gleeful distortion. ‘Dona Brisa’ is basically funk-house, with the most ridiculously overblow kickdrum ever; you’re there, front left, speaker blowing air right in your face.
It’s essential, cutting edge music rooted in right now. Stripped to its rawest qualities, pushed to its very extremes.
Words by Rafael Enriquez