What does Kadum sound like?

Brazilian producer focusing on beats, percussion and ancestral and regional sounds.

The review of ‘Charango Adventures’ by Kadum

Kadum hails from the increasing pantheon of South American producers and artists who mix together the electronic and traditional. On Kadum’s new release, ‘Charango Adventures’ we are invited to enjoy influences and sounds from Andean culture. Each release brings a new sound and Kadum embraces these new sounds with gusto.

cover art for Kadum - Charango Adventure — Kadum

Alongside the electronic downstep club beats that permeate most of this release, the small charango lute is the central instrument. With the opening track ‘Amanecer’ the charango picks away whilst pan drums arpeggiate along with pan flutes and electronic basslines. The groove of the hand percussion flexes the rigidity of electronic beats into something more human and dynamic. With ‘Iluvia’ the charango is in full strum – stretching its legs with joy and life alongside the flutes, whistles, waterfalls and birdsong. It is a track full of natural sounds and with friends Piva and Abreu providing specialist Andean instrumentation, it’s a feast for the audio senses.

Piva stays on for ‘Montana’, which is feistier and more club-focused. Electric keyboards give a snazzy lounge jazz twist to the jaunty water lutes and the song is structured like we are on a pilgrimage. As water and solo breath turn into wind, crickets and an ancestral chant, ‘Ritual’ takes over. Using animal sounds to create rhythmic riffs is a genius move. It adds texture to the track, which otherwise focuses on a gliding and flowing duet between charango and pan pipe.

We hit true downtempo beats with ‘Cascada’ as Piva and Andy help Kadum fill a track with sumptuous woodwind and tuned percussion. The track is light and airy as playing children’s sounds float around the plonky-tuned wooden blocks. The closing track is a seven-minute piece called ‘Otonã Mãpá’. Paying tribute to Pachamama throughout, this track brings motherhood and protecting the Earth into focus. Through baby gurgles, warm synths, tuned percussion and evolving rhythms it feels like a drone pass over an Andean landscape. You can hear motifs of animals, plants, trees, tribes and the elements shift in and out. Kadum ensures the track is deeply melodic without ever devolving into basic chord structures. There is always something interesting maturing or switching up and nowhere is that more apparent than this beautiful closer.

‘Charango Adventures’ has a chirpy undercurrent because the instrument is a beautiful pep in any player’s step. Kadum showcases the instrument beautifully whilst arranging each track so the charango feels integrated into a wider audio showcase of Andean culture and nature. This is an EP full of tracks you could have on repeat and not get bored of because Kadum’s songs never stay still. It is often the sign of a well-oiled producer in their element and Kadum is certainly that. One to enjoy with the sun on your back and a smile in your heart.

Recommended track: Iluvia Fat. Piva & Abreu

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