by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

The story behind Sofia Kourtesis‘ debut album is an inspiring one. It is dedicated to neurosurgeon Peter Vajkoczy, for the life saving surgery he performed on the Peruvian DJ’s mother. Following the sad loss of her father, Sofia’s mother had become gravely ill, but she sought out Vajkoczy, dedicating a track to him, and rather wonderfully he agreed to treat her mother – who is now better and living in Berlin.

Madres, the Spanish word for mother, is a musical depiction of the emotions Sofia has gone through in the course of her own mother’s illness – but also represents Vajkoczy’s part in the album, for he joined Sofia on nights out in Berghain. As well as documenting her mother’s recovery, Madres is a document from Kourtesis to her home country, containing percussion and field recordings from her homeland, as well as documenting the pain of being ostracised for her queerness.

What’s the music like?

As uplifting as much of the story told above, but with deep emotional fluctuations. Kourtesis writes fluently, making richly expressive house music that has attractive twists and turns. The voice of Kourtesis complements her warm synth registrations. Only one track has guest vocals, but it’s a cracker, Estación Esperanza harnessing a strong percussion soundtrack while featuring the voice of Manu Chao. Lead single Si Te Portas Bonito is an absolute beauty, a hot weather treasure with full bodied synths and the voice of Kourtesis herself.

Vajkoczy – a tribute to the man himself – has a persuasive rhythmic lilt, while true euphoria is reached from the wonderful How Music Makes You Feel Better, an ode to the power of recovery at the hands of our favourite art form. Meanwhile Funkhaus goes more for the jugular, a propulsive dancefloor winner.

Does it all work?

It does. Madres is a beautifully executed album, its ebb and flow ideally managed so that Kourtesis hits all the right spots.

Is it recommended?

Very much so. A fine debut from a bona fide dance music talent.

Listen

Buy

Published post no.1,992 – Saturday 28 October 2023