DEFBOWIES - DEFBOWIES

DEFBOWIES

​DEFBOWIES
self-released; 2016

3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Cristobal Gomez aka DEFBOWIES is a producer out of Montreal, Québec who released a five- song self-titled EP DEFBOWIES. It’s completely instrumental loaded with synth and guitars. Gomez is not quite at the level of top producers at this point but this EP certainly shows diversity and potential.

He opens with “Bury Your Heroes” which is both cheery and I want to say synth-y. That lead synth basically gives it an almost elevator music type quality. I mean that as a compliment; it’s almost like an effect. While I did like the synth his guitar work is the star of the show. Gomez displays his technical and creative ability. The juxtaposition between the synth and guitar works nicely on this track.

“Sans Titre” has a distinctly different feel from the opener. The synth bass is heavy with acoustic and electric guitars leading the charge. It’s borderline dreamy because of the delay and reverb but the fills in the song also give it a prog rock feel. 

Bells, pads and guitar occupy the space in “Lovedusk” before a warm bass line comes in. The song has a lot going on with plenty to keep your ears happy. No one instrument seemed to outweigh the others here. This is arguably the highlight of the EP. 

“Nubes Volcanicas” reminded me a bit of Prefuse 73. There is a slight hip-hop vibe here and the synths have a distinct ’80s vibe. Speaking of the ’80s the song sounds like 808 set. The song is a bit dark almost like a video game at times. Not a bad way to close things up.

​Gomez might not be Four Tet at this point but he's got some tricks up his sleeve. He has a good foundation and hope to hear his sound evolve as he comes out with more releases.

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