Ikigai Cosmonaut - Zoo Interior
“Zoo Interior” is the third EP released by Portuguese artist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Ikigai Cosmonaut.
It’s an epic musical journey that takes inspiration from the animal kingdom as well as many references from the artist’s own life to create a unique and emotional soundscape that explores the interior of the human mind in its most animalistic sense.
“A Quem Cantam as Baleias” is the perfect opener with the mystical cries of whales leading into a heavy tribal beat that grows in intensity throughout the track. The Asian influences present in Ikigai’s previous work soon make themselves known, as a reminder of her own body of work and as a premonition of what is to come later on.
“Pele Tigre” is a beautiful homage to the artist’s grandfather and a talented musician in his own right. His voice can be heard echoing throughout the composition, paying tribute to the traditional sounds of Fado - a genre of music unique to Portugal. This track carries the mystical mood of the opening number, taking it one step further with intertwining and hypnotic melodies and vocals that travel in and out of focus.
“Maneki Neko” is one of my personal favorites because of the sheer amount of different influences that run throughout the piece. From the Asian influences of the opening melody to the jazzy brass instruments that suddenly come in, to the almost glitchy ending with almost 80s-sounding synths popping in - it really is a track that takes you on a unique journey that will leave you breathless.
“Casulo”, the Portuguese word for cocoon, is another surprising turn in this metamorphic collection of sounds. The syncopated beats sound both industrial and tribal at the same time, and the mysterious-sounding melody and relentless rhythm give the listener a feeling of pressing danger lurking somewhere behind the shadows. A very evocative piece that leads us into the final and epic finale: “Battle Royale”.
For me “Battle Royale” is the crowning jewel of this EP - from the weird reversed instruments in the beginning to the almost indigenous percussion and cries that give the track a sense of urgency that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a brilliant conclusion to a very creative and unique musical landscape that will leave you wanting more.
If you like artists like Nicola Cruz and Pigmalião then you will not want to miss out on this release and, while you’re at it, take a look at Ikigai Cosmonaut’s previous works.
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