Once upon a
time, Ultratango started as an electronic music quintet from Buenos Aires which
added tango flavors to their music, and had Sami Abadi with his violin and Julio Perez with his bandoneon on their side. Their danceable electronica
versions of Astor Piazzolla´s songs and also their “Kryptonite” were quite
exciting. Now, several years later, they are a trio (Leonardo Satragno –
synthesizers, programming, bass; Gastón Satragno – synthesizers, programming, piano; Braulio
D'Aguirre – drums), and had to decide which direction to take. Their new songs still
range somewhere between trip hop, house, ambient, and pop, with a clear
dominance of electronica sounds but without the sound of the “tango trademark”
instrument, the bandoneon. Gastón Satragno said they intended to raise the
stakes with this new record. Indeed, Ultratango might find a new audience
beyond the traditional tango dancers with their specific expectations.
The 13
tracks of their new album (all composed by the Satragno brothers, one with Braulio
D'Aguirre) are predominantly slow dance music for the clubs, and they create a
relaxing atmosphere and a fine flow. To get an impression what the listener may
expect, start with the attractive tracks “Avant Garde”, “Calida” and “Hiphope”,
or the samba-milonga “Amorio (trio remix)”. Modern beats, simple piano pattern,
and repetitive synthesizer licks, some special sound to discover here and
there. These tracks don´t rely on a usual melodic development, they are
definitely groove oriented.
Are
Ultratango´s songs typical tango? No, but several are suited to be played in
alternative milongas, and you may dance to them in a tango style. - Be open to
be surprised.
