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This debut from the LA based multi-instrumentalist/producer
Rudy “HighEnd” Mangual III displays a wide array
of grooves, rhythms and colorful sounds, which morph into
his own unique and provocative compositions. From the opening
track Slow Roll, the sounds transport you to a novo dimension
of future chill - a playground of Latin rhythms, jazz samples,
lounge music, hip-hop beats and world electronica. A total
of 12 original scores spotlight the talents of this passionate
music maker who is cautious not to fall into the deep cradles
of pure ambient chill-out or become too immersed in the latest
trendy, club rave sounds. HighEnd successfully transports
listeners to a pleasant, radical limbo between musical galaxies.
The more you listen, the further you surrender to his compelling
beats, falling under the hypnotic spell of the tracks Rough
Times, Call It a Night, Palaver and the funky laid-back attitude
of Sometimes. Closing the event is a surrealistic spaghetti-western,
B-movie soundtrack candidate appropriately titled Telling
Tales. Indeed, a refreshing representation of urban reality
at its best.
--Latin Beat Magazine, March 2005
Super-deep, dub-inspired bass lines saunter
through most of the songs here, but like any good lounge,
HighEnd serves more than one drink. The best way to describe
The Highend Sounds' opening track is, unassuming. It's called
"Slow Roll" and lives up to the title. Slow rolling
bass and beats guide bluesy piano, seventies-styled horn stabs
and subtle vocal samples to a smooth finish.
"After Traffic" has nice Rhodes-infected
synth cascades, over smooth beats and soft horns. Inspired
by the need to cool down after a fight with L.A. traffic (which
really is a phenomenon unto itself), it's sure to quench your
harshed mellow and bring it back down.
Serving up a little of The Highend Sounds Indian
style is "Shisha", with a combination of sitar,
sarangi, cello, and flowing synths over slow beats and dusty
percussive loops. Shisha definitely stands out as one of the
more complete songs here, with the right mix of peaks and
valleys to keep it interesting to the end.
"Rough Times" has nice cut-up bass
loops, muted horns, and after a brief intro, brings in some
nice slow breaks. It doesn't really call any more attention
to itself than the other tracks, but it stands out.
The only song that really steps away from the
sound of the rest is "Everybody Loves", featuring
rhymes by Oakland rapper Kiwi. Naturally it has a strong hip
hop edge, but it's the effected vocal loop that offsets Kiwi
that really gives it depth and catches my ear.
"Sometimes (double down)" has a strong
sound and any DJ could make a smooth as silk mix between it
and Troublemakers' "Chez Roger Boit_ Funk". In fact,
I wonder if HighEnd didn't take a bite straight off Troublemaker
for the inspiration and groove.
Press play. Pour. Relax.
-- Properly Chilled, April, 2005
"A captivating selection of transcontinental-inspired
grooves."
- Darren Ressler, Big Shot Magazine
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