Mumbai-based electronic artist Shadaab Kadri, known as Riatsu, joins forces with Denver-based trumpeter Joshua Trinidad to deliver their latest project, Resurgence. This 6-track album takes listeners on a deeply immersive musical journey characterized by ambient sounds and poignant themes, aiming to resonate with the heart and soul. Following their initial collaboration on Lithium—an album exploring the turbulent landscape of bipolar disorder—Resurgence symbolizes the journey of rebirth and renewal. It’s a compelling experience crafted by these two talented musicians connecting Mumbai and Denver in a soundscape that’s both pure and reflective, almost trance-inducing in its effect.
Resurgence serves as a beacon of hope for anyone navigating life’s turbulent waters. The album underscores the promise of renewal after every fall, celebrating the human spirit’s capacity to see a brighter tomorrow. Each track is an auditory tribute to the indomitable will to find light even in the darkest times. It’s sure to make listeners pause and reflect. Now, let’s dive into each song and break down how they make us feel, one track at a time.
The album kicks off with ‘Rise Up’, a 7-minute journey that starts with a slow, haunting build-up. As the track progresses, it gains momentum, with Joshua’s moody trumpet weaving through Riatsu’s electronic landscape. Mixed by Riatsu and mastered by Hersh Desai, the song showcases intricate production techniques. Around the 4-minute mark, you’ll notice clever use of pauses, stereo effects, and reverb that plunge you deeper into the sonic realm. The electronic elements feel organic, blending seamlessly with the trumpet to create a uniquely heavy yet unfamiliar soundscape.
‘Hope keeps the dream alive’, the second track, lives up to its name. Opening with a heavy bassline, it’s soon joined by Trinidad’s grand trumpet tones. Unique, crinkling sounds and drums enter the mix, creating an immersive setup that beckons you to surrender to the music. The composition has a healing quality, touching something deep within. It strikes a balance between freshness and a haunting atmosphere, with well-placed punches that ground you in reality.
‘Keep going’ kicks off with a fast-paced electronic rhythm, soon giving way to a trance-like slowdown. The atmospheric trumpet, a signature of this EP, makes its presence felt. The track captures the essence of urban chaos and sudden moments of clarity – like being jolted out of the city’s hustle by an unexpected sight. Throughout its 5-minute journey, the song employs diverse sounds and a repetitive melody that keeps you engaged, always on the edge of discovering something new. The echoing quality of the music is a testament to the stellar work of the mixing and mastering team.The track’s end is particularly striking, using well-timed pauses to deconstruct the music, simulating a fading connection before seamlessly transitioning to the next track.
The fourth track, ‘The irresistible force paradox (Part 1)’, maintains the album’s uplifting tone while introducing uniquely crafted electronic sounds that feel innovative. A subtle momentum builds throughout, creating an air of anticipation within the mysterious ambiance. The deep bass line and distant trumpet tones craft a distinctive atmosphere. It’s as if the track serves as a soundtrack to life’s pivotal moments of self-recovery. The composition skillfully balances familiarity with novelty, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its rich, layered soundscape.
“Find your why” maintains the album’s rhythm while shifting towards a more positive tone. The track beautifully melds various musical elements, creating a peaceful, autumnal atmosphere that’s both affirming and strengthening. As the song progresses, it takes on a brighter, more luminous quality, evoking the sensation of marching towards a better life. This track marks the album’s second peak for me, showcasing the duo’s exceptional talent in crafting a deeply moving and transformative musical experience.
The final track ‘The irresistible force paradox (Part 2)’ serves as the perfect climax to this sonic journey. Its composition fills a void within, offering consolation through music that reminds us life is a journey to be experienced. The interplay of bass lines and electronic synth sounds builds up, echoing the cycles of rising, falling, and rising again that define our existence. Riatsu and Joshua Trinidad have crafted something truly masterful here – a unique soundscape that emerges when two exceptional musical talents collaborate. This track, like the entire album, stands as a testament to their artistic vision and skill in creating an unparalleled auditory experience.
