Once again I find myself drawn to a track selected by the algorithm behind Soundcloud's The Upload playlist. Almost immediately upon seeing the name "Playa Marimba," I knew it was something I had to check out. From Amsterdam's Jort Kroon, the track does indeed feature the magical resonance of the marimba, although not quite as much as I hoped. That said, the wait is more than worth it when wooden bars finally come in.
Featuring all kinds of organic instrumentation in a groovy medley that straddles several genres and backgrounds, "Playa Marimba" is a joyous jaunt that will make your Monday morning instantly easier. Unlike the opening to the workweek, there's no drag or dullness in the track at all, rather it's blithe and perky. As each additional element is added, "Playa Marimba" becomes brighter and more buoyant as it inspires jolts of energy as if you had ordered an extra shot of espresso. The combination of the electricity of the keyboard and the rhythmic drive of the percussion makes for a strong earworm foundation, but the real payoff comes when Kroon really starts to play with things. Shortly after the two-minute mark, we're greeted by a gorgeous amalgamation of energy and gambol. And it only gets further groovy and spirited as "Playa Marimba" rebuilds under the guidance of a newly introduced guitar in the second half.
Clearly a fun first production play by Jort Kroon, in what seems to be his first-ever original production, "Playa Marimba" is exactly the injection of uplifting, groovy energy we all need on a Monday morning.
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