Bakermat – The Ringmaster

Review

Dutch producer Bakermat's debut 'The Ringmaster' delivers a perfectly calibrated blend of tropical house, jazz inflections, and minimalist electronic frameworks that feels like sipping champagne on a designer yacht. The 10-track collection shifts effortlessly between moments of festival euphoria and more contemplative sequences, particularly on 'Trouble' where Albert Gold's vocals create an emotional anchor amid the swelling production. The brass-infused 'Baianá' stands as the collection's crown jewel – a global rhythm odyssey that found its way onto the FIFA 2021 soundtrack and commanded impressive streaming numbers.

Collaborations elevate the album's textural range, with GoldFord lending emotional weight to the buoyant 'Good For Me' while Kidda brings summery warmth to 'Under The Sun.' Though occasionally the album skirts close to dance-pop conventions, Bakermat's impeccable production sensibilities and thoughtful sequencing create a listening experience that feels both accessible and surprisingly nuanced. The polished arrangements provide the perfect canvas for these musical explorations, positioning Bakermat as an artist who understands the delicate balance between commercial appeal and creative innovation in contemporary electronic music. - Elodie