Mari Kattman - Swallow

After some dirty synths grind for the first five-seconds on ‘Swallow’, Mari Kattman hits us with an underground trip-hop beat that punches and kicks as hard as any industrial beat that I’ve ever heard. Her reverberating voice bounces off the backdrop and once again reminds us why Kattman is one of the forerunners of the dark electronic scene. The experimental nature of her synths, such as the wind down from chorus to verse, are excellent little touches that are often overlooked. Hardcore bass meets her trip-hop production in a harmonious marriage that’s worth visiting over and over and over again. 

We’re then dealt another lethal blow with ‘You Can Show Yourself Out’, a powerful and self-assuring single. Rhythmic with slamming percussion that kicks like a donkey, emphasizing her newfound love for deep bass cuts while still maintaining glimmering production. No complaints in the vocal department either; attitude filled delivery that backs up the tenacity and razor-sharp edge of the lyrical content. No holding back; all killer, no filler.

There are two remixes on the album from Baby Magick and MKUHLTRA. The Baby Magick remix is a less intense version of the original, opting away from the huge bass hits. What this remix does is allows Kattman’s voice to be more the star than the music; two very different takes but equally as impactful. A slow crawl through drudging electronics versus a bass-riddled club song. The second is done by MKUHLTRA which transforms the single into a futurepop version of the original. Is it better? I don’t think so. While it does a great job straying away from the original, it’s not altogether unique for the genre, nor is it as stunning as the original. 

Mari Kattman never fails to disappoint, that’s for sure. But what she’s accomplished on “Swallow” is simply astounding. I don’t think I’ve ever heard her music be so powerful; I repeat myself by saying that this EP hits and kicks HARD. Like a knockout shot in a boxing match; a sledgehammer against an old brick wall. It’s fun, furious, dance worthy, and electric. I can’t wait to hear more.