Ethnotechno by Massivo!: A Wild Ride Through 1994’s Makina Scene
Let’s get one thing straight—this ain’t your grandma’s electronic album (unless she was secretly raving in ‘90s Spain, which, honestly, wouldn’t surprise me). Ethnotechno by Massivo! is a raw, unfiltered blast of Makina energy released on Bol Records back in '94. Composed by Esteban Lucci, this record is like that weird cousin at family gatherings who insists on DJing but somehow makes it work. It’s chaotic, loud, and oddly unforgettable.
Now, let’s talk tracks because if I dive into all of them, we’ll be here longer than an afterparty with no clocks. First up: “Ethnotechno.” The title track kicks things off with the kind of beat that feels like it's trying to escape its own rhythm. There’s something hypnotic about how the percussion loops around you, like being chased by a drum machine with commitment issues. You think it’s gonna drop? Nope. Just teasing ya. This track sticks with me because it’s got a personality—messy, unpredictable, and kinda proud of it.
Then there’s “Is This Techno?”—a track so self-aware it might as well have rolled its eyes at itself. With its stuttering synths and relentless bassline, it’s less asking a question and more daring you to answer. Spoiler alert: Yes, yes it is techno. But not the sleek, polished stuff you hear today. This is techno with dirt under its nails, techno that probably smells faintly of smoke machines and spilled drinks. I remember this track for its cheeky vibe; it’s like Lucci sat down and thought, “What if I make people second-guess their entire music library?” Mission accomplished, buddy.
“To Be Mixed” rounds out the trio with a vibe that screams “I’m unfinished, but deal with it.” And honestly? That works. It’s scrappy, experimental, and leaves you wanting more—or maybe just confused. Either way, it keeps you hooked.
Looking back, Ethnotechno feels like a snapshot of a moment when electronic music was still figuring itself out. No rules, no algorithms telling you what to listen to next—just pure, unbridled creativity. Sure, some parts sound dated now (hello, mid-’90s cheese), but isn’t that part of the charm?
Final thoughts? If you’re into Makina or just love digging through obscure gems from the past, give this a spin. Just don’t blame me if your neighbors start wondering why tribal beats are leaking through their walls at 2 AM. Oh, and fun fact: Listening to this album makes me want to both dance wildly and take a nap simultaneously. Maybe that’s the secret genius of Massivo!? Who knows.
