Gui Boratto’s latest work for the label Kompakt, “Chromophobia,” is a broad album encompassing a variety of themes. Sometimes the production is terse and claustrophobic, and at other times it is warm and gentle. Despite the wide array of moods, the record still manages to feel unified.
The Brazilian DJ and producer paints “Chromophobia” with deft brush strokes, each song as vivid as it is secure in its presentation. It seems as if Boratto has had a clear idea of what he intended for each track.
The album feels polished in a clean and complete manner, from the excited and minimalistic “Mr. Decay” to the languid and wondrous Sigur-Ros landscape that is “Arcrostico.” It all meshes perfectly together into an electronic tapestry of crisp and tasteful techno.
At the outset of “Chromophobia” the sound is a lot stiffer and colder, and as the tracks progress, the record seems to open up. The songs become more vibrant and less rigid as the record continues.
The magnum opus of the record is without a doubt “Beautiful life.” It is a lush and loving anthem that reassures and inspires. Boratto wrote and recorded the track together with his wife, whose singing is also featured in it. Usually intra-marriage collaborations spell out doom in big bright letters for artists, but not so with “Beautiful life.” Here, the singing turns out to be the last ace up Boratto’s sleeve when the chorus hits, turning a great song into something truly memorable.
“Beautiful life” is the kind of art that leaves you stunned and thankful, remembering that there might be something worthwhile out there, after all. It is a song that will outlast 2007 for many years to come.
The title track is paranoid and ambling, like a manic master plan teetering toward completion. “Chromophobia” is an evocative and interesting track to christen the album after. It is not a safe choice, since it is a song that has to be listened to a few times before you understand what is going on.
Although “Chromophobia” is an excellent album, it isn’t the record that will change your mind about techno. If you shy away from electronic music, this probably won’t be the one that wins you over. For those already baptized by the strobe lights though, this is one of the first big releases of the year.