“Disassembling the Matrix is about the confrontation between man and machine. The loop of the arpeggiator and daf instrument guide us through the track in a powerful and elusive march.” ~ Azmari
The story behind this new Azmari single is a bit unconventional. While working on their upcoming EP, the musicians set out to experiment with new electronic textures. During a jam session in their rehearsal space, the keyboardist lost control of the arpeggiator loop. Not understanding straight away how to stop it, the band took the opportunity to explore the loop to its fullest. What emerged from this spontaneous moment was a 9/4 melodic loop that became the guiding thread for the rest of the song.
As the song continued to build, it was primarily the daf instrument that carried the track's foundation, while the saxophone weaved elusive melodic phrases, giving the track a compelling feeling. The bass complements the synths, gently supporting the rhythm, and as the drums lock into the groove, the unusual 9/4 time signature begins to feel completely natural.
First imagined as an interlude, the track became a proper song during a studio session in late 2024. Additional synths were layered in response to the saxophone’s interventions, creating trippy melodic backgrounds that build to a climactic moment. The result is a short, impactful piece, one where the matrix is disassembled, and a new single is born!
For their upcoming 5-track EP In Oculis, set for release on May 9, Azmari is collaborating with French multi-instrumentalist and former guitarist Guillaume Souffrice (alias Mosso Mosso), whose exploration of Gnawa music and traditional instruments adds fresh influences, bridging their past and future sound.
Listen to new single 'Disassembling the Matrix' and pre-order the 'In Oculis' EP here.