Fresh out of the camper is Joep Mencke’s Mataka Ep. After the success with his debut Asiri last year, we have been hooked on Mencke’s sound. With two solid originals and an adventure of a remix by the label bosses unders and Noraj Cue, Mataka delivers.

Tum sounds like you’re on a boat on tranquil water floating into a mysterious world full of wonders. Its dark, yet light. The mist makes you want to doze off but the claps, conga’s and busty breakbeats keep you awake. The horizon is hazy, yet the subtle swing is so clear. A whole new world lies yonder, come out and play, says Tum. More is coming, says Mr. Mencke, just wait for it.

The second production and the EP’s name carrier does not take any shortcuts. Mataka’s groove kicks in straight away. Little joyful bells enlighten the darkness. The moment you think Mataka can’t take you any deeper, Mataka erupts. Heroically it lets you know the battle is won, Mataka made its mark, it’s invincible. The shout of the Maori warrior after the victory: Mataka!

In Mataka’s remix, the atmospheric pad lets you float through the sky. Dreamy tickling bells are covered by a broad, open, wide sound. It triggers, lifts, it excites. Alice in Wonderland’s clock guides, the inception like dark is put against an angel’s voice kicks in. The voice is like a flower sprouting in spring after a long dark winter. Mataka’s interpretation by label honcho’s unders and Noraj Cue brings depth, it inspires and adds adventure.