Description
Mattias El Mansouri, highly acclaimed for his releases on Aniara and Nous'klaer, presents a deep, dancefloor-ready 12-inch vinyl exploring atmospheric house and techno through a philosophical lens.
Swedish-born DJ and producer of Moroccan/Chilean descent Mattias El Mansouri, who has garnered considerable support in recent years with releases on labels such as Aniara and Nous'klaer, makes his debut on Phonica Records.
On this release, 'Sense Data', El Mansouri further expands his exploration of atmospheric house and techno, featuring three deep house tracks that are imbued with personal significance while retaining the power to move the dancefloor.
Holding a degree in theoretical philosophy, Mattias El Mansouri explains the title track: "'Sense Data' are the elements of perception directly given to the senses before any interpretation or judgment. In vision, they are a collection of colors and shapes; in hearing, the quality of the sound itself." His intellectual approach is masterfully reflected in the beauty of the sound construction.
The flip side features the beautiful "Cielo Vacío" and a dub version of the title track, "Ouzo Hallon". "Cielo Vacío" (Empty Sky) is a memorial track dedicated to his brother, who passed away in December 2023. The anguish of losing a loved one and the fragile peace of wishing for their soul to rest are beautifully expressed through a unique sonic space and emotional melodies. In contrast, "Ouzo Hallon" is a playful dub track named after his favorite cocktail, a mix of Greek liqueur and raspberries.
A high-quality release that combines a clear concept with deep emotion, showcasing the depth of underground house and techno.
A1. Sense Data
B1. Cielo Vacío
B2. Sense Data (Ouzo Hallon Dub)
Phonica welcomes Mattias El Mansouri, a Swedish-born DJ and producer of Moroccan/Chilean descent who has been behind some of our favourite releases over the past few years on labels such as Aniara and Nous'klaer.
On the 'Sense Data' 12", El Mansouri expands on his atmospheric House and Techno explorations with three deep yet dancefloor primed pieces that hold personal resonance for him.
El Mansouri, who holds a degree in Theoretical Philosophy, explains:
"'Sense Data' are the immediate elements of perception; what is directly given to the senses before any judgment or interpretation. In vision, these appear as colored, shaped patches; in other senses, as sounds, tastes, smells, or tactile qualities. For example, seeing a brown table with a white coaster involves sense data of a brown patch and a white roundish patch, from which one infers the presence of a table and coaster."
On the record's flip, we have the beautiful "Cielo Vacío' and 'Ouzo Hallon' dub version of 'Sense Data'. El Mansouri continues:
"Cielo Vacío translates to “empty sky” in Spanish. The track serves as a eulogy for my brother, who passed away in December 2023. I chose this title because it resonates with the sonic and emotional atmosphere of the piece. Its ambiguity is intentional, carrying both the weight of grief that lingers after losing someone you love, and a strange, fragile peace you extend toward the departed. It reflects the hope that, wherever they are, whether or not one believes in an afterlife, they have found rest.
Ouzo Hallon translates to Ouzo (the Greek liquor)+Hallon (Raspberry). It’s a long drink that my (Greek) ex came up with last summer, mixing ouzo, raspberry syrup/raspberry juice and ice. It became a thing in our little friend group, consisting of mostly Greeks, and every time we all hang out we would all just drink ouzo hallon until we couldn’t stand straight. I always wanted to name a track Ouzo Hallon, just for the fun of it, and what better way to get the chance than now!"
