Sacred Lodge represents the core vision of Matthieu Ruben N’Dongo, a Paris-based sound artist and producer. His creative journey is deeply influenced by his background in ethnomusicology, wich examines the role of music in ceremonial practices, as well as his equatoguinean roots. The result is a captivating body of work that combines haunting melodies with powerful percussion and immersive electronic soundscapes. In contrast to his 2019 debut album Hijos del Sol, which featured more subdued downtempo vibes, N’Dongo’s latest project intensifies the experience with a series of raw and abrasive tracks.
A meaningful evolution in this new project is the prominent use of vocals, which were previously secondary elements in his compositions. In “Ambam,” N’Dongo fully embraces his vocal talents, drawing inspiration from traditional environmental sounds and also ritualistic chants—especially those from the Fang community linked to his father’s heritage. His vocal style ranges from guttural growls reminiscent of heavy metal to distorted screams; some lyrics are delivered in a breathy rap-like flow. The opening track “Wa Wa Ke Wa Wa Yi” showcases this dynamic interplay as N’dongo’s raw voice melds with composer Sara Persico’s sultry whispers, creating an eerie atmosphere.
The instrumental landscape has also adopted a more aggressive edge this time around, fusing elements from horrorcore, industrial music, and bass genres into chaotic sonic experiences. Several tracks feature compelling drum patterns that could easily resonate within club settings under different circumstances. “Enêñ” stands out for its metallic polyrhythmic beats while “A bo Biboa” unfolds with an ominous undertone.Other pieces like “Mongu nnang,” featuring Cairo-based producer El Kontessa, create a frenetic cacophony that at times evokes the sensation of a glitchy video game malfunction.
“Ambam” presents an experience that can be both dense and disorienting; it may initially overwhelm some listeners but reveals itself upon repeated listens as an immersive journey through N’Dongo’s bold resistance music filled with intricate layers waiting to be uncovered.
New Releases This Month
Created during her pregnancy journey,Le Don des Larmes serves as French-Algerian artist Léo La Nuit‘s heartfelt tribute to her newborn child (Knekelhuis). This compilation features sixteen lo-fi tracks blending gentle lullabies infused with North African folk influences alongside atmospheric pop interludes enriched by natural soundscapes—from birds chirping to infant cries.
In parallel,Blurrr, Glasgow-based painter-musician Joanne Robertson’s latest release provides another soothing auditory experience (AD93). With occasional cello contributions from Oliver coates complementing Robertson’s vocals accompanied solely by acoustic guitar throughout these wandering folk melodies—the hazy production quality distinctly positions her beyond conventional singer-songwriter confines while echoing influences from her collaborator Dean Blunt.
Spanish producer JASSS dismantles genre boundaries once again in her innovative albumEager Customers (AWOS). These transformative compositions blend elements ranging across trip-hop,dub,pop,and post-rock where glitch-infused electronics intertwine seamlessly with moody guitars paired alongside ethereal vocalizations.