Mountains of the Moon is the Definition of Genre Bending

Mountains of the Moon by CASSAVA GROOVE TEMPLE is an eclectic, exciting, and charming mix of electronic music, afro beats, and elements of jazz. It swerves in different directions from track to track but never feels out of place or disconnected from the tonal thread uniting the EP. Part of what makes the Mountains of the Moon so impressive is its diversity. I feel like this EP enjoys defying my expectations track after track. The creators describe this project as something “to listen to in the club or your kitchen.”

I think that sums up the beauty of this collection perfectly.

The first track, Le Jungle, begins the project with energy. It utilises a mix of Afrobeat and jungle influences to capture your attention. Le Jungle has a fast and aggressive rhythm and beautiful diving synth motifs. As the synths descend, it feels like being immersed in the world of the song. The depth of the synths and the rhythm are contrasted by these bells that stand out through their shiny and bright timbre. As the track goes on, they become distorted, giving it an enigmatic, heavy, and sinister undertone. Out of all the tracks on the EP, this one stands out as the one I’d much rather listen to in a club than in a kitchen. 

I’m not sure if this is a coincidence with recent songs I have reviewed or whether this is a broad structural point I have just noticed, but recently, genre-bending projects like this put their fast-paced tracks at the front. Then, the energy slowly fades into introspective and chilled-out compositions as the EP continues. This evolution is certainly the case here. The latter half of the project, such as OG from UG and Mountains of the Moon, have a far more relaxed vibe than the first two tracks. They maintain the hypnotic rhythmic foundation that makes you want to nod your head as well as the enigmatic heavy melody but also feel fundamentally more languid, laid back, or allow for free space within the mix. 

Mountains of the Moon displays the incredible range of CASSAVA GROOVE TEMPLE. That variety is explored with a thorough line of rhythmic foundation and tonal connection, showing growth and evolution without losing what makes them unique.