Chuma Chuma: A Sonic Puzzle Worth Solving
Released in 2018 on Relay Recordings, Chuma Chuma is an intriguing dive into the experimental and free improvisation corners of electronic music. The collaborative effort between Tim Daisy and Macio Moretti—two artists unafraid to push boundaries—feels like a journey through soundscapes that refuse to sit still. Hailing from Poland, this album doesn’t just play; it challenges, teases, and occasionally rewards you with moments of raw brilliance.
One track that sticks out is “SIMBI.” It’s not so much a song as it is a conversation between machines and human intuition. The opening feels almost hesitant, like the instruments are testing each other out. But then it builds—layers of glitchy textures, sharp percussive hits, and these eerie tonal shifts come together in a way that’s hard to shake off. You’re left wondering if you’ve stumbled into some secret laboratory where sounds are being invented in real-time. It’s chaotic but weirdly magnetic, the kind of thing you’d put on repeat just to figure out what the heck is going on.
Then there’s “WHAKAREWA,” which takes things in a completely different direction. This one feels spacious, almost meditative at times, but don’t let that fool you—it’s got teeth. There’s this moment about halfway through where everything drops out except for this pulsing bassline that sounds like it’s breathing. It’s unsettling yet oddly comforting, like hearing the heartbeat of the track itself. The interplay between tension and release here is masterful, making it one of those pieces you can’t help but lose yourself in.
The rest of the album—tracks like “FÉM,” “MÁLM,” and “MADEN”—keep the energy alive with their own quirks. Each one seems to explore a different facet of experimentation, whether it’s jagged rhythms or sprawling atmospheres. Nothing feels safe or predictable, which might turn off listeners looking for something more conventional. But honestly, that’s kinda the point.
What makes Chuma Chuma stand out isn’t just its sound—it’s the sense that Daisy and Moretti are inviting you into their process, warts and all. Listening to this record feels less like consuming a finished product and more like peeking behind the curtain while they tinker away. Sure, it’s not always easy listening, but when has growth ever been easy?
Here’s the unexpected part though: despite its complexity, Chuma Chuma somehow manages to feel deeply personal. Maybe it’s because every bloop, buzz, and beat carries a trace of human decision-making amidst the chaos. Or maybe it’s because, after a few listens, you start recognizing patterns that weren’t obvious at first. Either way, it leaves you thinking—one of those albums that stays with you long after the last note fades.
So yeah, give Chuma Chuma a shot if you’re tired of music that spoon-feeds you emotions. Just don’t expect answers—this one thrives on questions.
