Tonight is the perfect evening to share a piece that doesn’t just help you focus—it literally pulls you into a trance. I’m talking about “Cirrus” by Mexican producer Mataliebre. Part of the “Luz” EP, this track marks the debut of the Ambient/Downtempo genre on my blog. I perceive this release as a real “sonic detox” that helps clear the perception.
You might wonder: what could be so unusual about ambient music, which is typically dominated by long, sweeping pads? But “Cirrus” isn’t your typical meditative background score. Above all, it’s intriguing because of its “live” acoustic percussion. The title refers to cirrus clouds—those thin, transparent wisps floating at great altitudes. This is brilliantly reflected in the music: a soft, barely-perceptible synth drifts high above, occasionally getting lost in the space. But while your head is in the clouds, your feet are firmly held by the sun-scorched earth.
The drums are the protagonists here. While I can’t say for certain, the sound closely resembles African congas. The author uses several variations: from bright, almost metallic tones to deep, bass-heavy strikes. Together, they create an incredible rhythmic pattern reminiscent of a tribal initiation rite. This is the primal energy that the artist, Alfonso Otero Mireles, describes as “desertic and nomadic.”
Mataliebre hails from Sinaloa—a state where deserts and heat dictate the pace of life. This “wild” vibe is palpable throughout the track. A fascinating genre dilemma arises: what exactly is this? The author calls it a mix of cumbia, ambient, and downtempo (Cumbiambient), while others might hear organic house. But in such experiments, labels are secondary. What matters is the effect.
“Cirrus” sparks something like a quiet rebellion within. It’s the awakening of a long-forgotten natural energy that pulls you into a trance. Even while sitting at a desk, you’ll find yourself instinctively tapping your foot to the beat, feeling the rhythm through every fiber of your being. This is music for those who want to forget the city for a moment and return to something raw, human, and animalistic all at once.
