VA - Antologia De Música Atípica Portuguesa Vol.1: O Trabalho (2017)

London’s Discrepant continue to plot their own path with this inspiring document of contemporary Portuguese music, including contributions from the always excellent Negra Branca and a bunch of hugely interesting artists we've not come across before. Huge recommendation.

With recent transmissions covering imaginary soundtracks, Mike Cooper reissues and a suite of Buddhist prayer loops, we’ve become accustomed to a sense of surprise and delight with each Discrepant release. Still, the label have us enraptured with Antologia de Música Atípica Portuguesa, the first in a series of compilations that sheds light on the various strains of modern sonic experimentation throughout Portugal with ‘an (un)characteristic foot in the past musical traditions of the country.’

A loose thematic framework will bind together each edition of Antologia de Música Atípica Portuguesa, with this inaugural volume exploring o Trabalho (work songs). If you thought the dancefloor cross pollinations on Lisbons’s Principe suggested Portugal was a musically-exciting place right now, this collection blows that notion wide open.

Gnod’s Negra Branca scores an early highlight with the hazed, xylophone-blessed new age of O Espatelar do Linho, whilst Yong Yong’s Rodolfo Brito surfaces with a rare solo outing as Luar Dominatrix with the pastoral field recording manipulations of Bocadinho de Alentejo. Brito’s solo project also features on one of two contributions from Gonçalo F. Cardoso’s Gonzo alias, whilst Porto duo Calhau! Impress with the freeform electronic spatter of Pecunibal, especially the vocal aspect which is reminiscent of Senyawa at their most elastic