BlackGummy's Debut Album Showcases The Duality Of Destruction And Reconstruction

BlackGummy has surged back into the spotlight in the scene by returning to mau5trap with his debut concept album, Ra(z/is)e, for fans to feast their ears on.

BlackGummy has been on a mission to master sound design since first breaking onto the scene over a decade ago. Throughout the years, he dropped a hearty helping of releases that helped push him further toward that goal. Now, after taking a hiatus to recharge his batteries, he’s returned to mau5trap to open the doors to his next chapter by releasing his debut album Ra(z/is)e.

At its core, Ra(z/is)e is a concept album that puts BlackGummy’s innate production abilities and sound design at the forefront. Dive a bit deeper into its soundscapes, and you’ll find the duality of destruction and reconstruction as the themes that dominate its runtime. After all, the album’s title plays off the two words oh-so-perfectly.

As listeners begin to explore the first half of the album, they’ll encounter an array of soundscapes ranging from atmospheric and electro to techno and house, all dressed in a dark, brooding ambiance. There’s the spacey, futuristic sounds on “Raze” that make you feel like you’re floating through a dystopian world, and the in-your-face grittiness on previously released single “Potatoes & Meat” with Emphemirate. For techno lovers, the ever-ominous nature of “No Romance,” which brings KEETZ into the mix, is a true treat, while “CheckYourPocket” with ALLiZEN pulls just as many punches.

A flurry of solo tunes dominates the album’s second half, as BlackGummy takes center stage once again. The eight-minute-long “Satellite Repair” doesn’t just break the norms of the scene’s current era with its runtime; its fantastic sampling and slow-burning nature make it stand tall as a trip in itself. You can feel BlackGummy’s own healing process taking place as the seconds tick away during its runtime.

“Explorer” continues within the techno realm, adding more computerized blips and distortion before opening the gates to a bridge that offers a moment of serenity. This trancey portion acts as a taste of what’s to come on “Transcend,” a quick track that washes over the ears with its uplifting nature, almost like a palate cleanser. Yet it’s back to the dancefloor soon after as the funky fresh “Future People” picks up the pace. Then, BlackGummy delivers a one-two punch with the melodic techno-fueled “Euphoria” and “Raise,” which brings Oliver Rio in for a celebratory electro track that is sure to get you grooving.

BlackGummy might’ve taken a break from the madness of the scene, but his return was well worth the wait. The soundscapes found on albums like Ra(z/is)e were hallmarks of mau5trap in past eras, and this release doesn’t just signal the future is bright for the beloved artist but also for the label as a whole.

Give Ra(z/is)e a listen on Spotify or your preferred platform, and follow BlackGummy on social media for more to come from this creative mind in the scene.