This track stopped me cold. Bartok wastes no time pulling us into the world of "Mistral". The UK-based producer frames the track with urban field recordings, setting a dark mood before the synths take over. Soon, a pulsating bassline and interlocking arpeggiated sequences push the tempo into a relentless, driving pace.
Released under batCave Recordings, "Mistral" relies on heavy tension and release. Then the fake-out ending hits. The music halts, dropping back to ambient noise, before kicking back in for a final blistering run.
The release also features a wild visual component. Bartok spent four years building a 3D music video in the Unity engine, placing a digitalized version of the producer into the world. The final synth stab leaves a heavy ringing in your ears in a way that sticks with you.
