donnie moustaki: space pleasure cruise
Francisco Espregueira
Donnie Moustaki has been one of the most innovating producers hailing from Europe. Working under different monikers (most notably as Sweet Fruity Brunch) over the past years he has a clearly recognizable sonic trademark that is masterfully explored in his latest project, Space Pleasure Cruise. Released by Pumpernickel Records, this is a ‘one of a kind’ record that has countless golden details in the unorthodox approach to sampling and sound effects. All that with the help of some fine guests like Last Nubian, Scruscru, SofaTalk or Le Grand Détournement, that are important characters in the ‘movie-like’ pleasure cruise through space that Moustaki leads.
Paced by a buttery flow, this journey guides us through a sea of cosmic jazziness and wonky grooves. The connection between layers, crunchy drum pads and stylish basslines is beyond fantastic. The modulation on jazz samples, probably Moustaki’s strongest trademark, ads to an imaginary scenery that is both futuristic and nostalgic. Space Pleasure Cruise just flows. The guests keep showing up and spaces inside our souls get touched in different ways. It’s probable that the secret to solve many universe mysteries lies within the correct use of natural stimulants and the proper listening of this album. Space Pleasure Cruise is available in a limited cassette edition, that (also probable) might be sold out. Bang.