Although Mocambo Records has primarily served as the recording hub for Hamburg's funk and soul stalwarts, The Mighty Mocambos, the label has also helped usher in some fantastic projects from a litany of artists from around the world. German vocalist Caroline Lacaze wow'ed with her full-length release 'En Route' back in 2013, multi-faceted US vocalist Eric Boss delivered 'A Modern Love' in 2019 and more recently the release of the space funk meets spiritual jazz stylings of Sun Atlas captivated audiences with their album 'Return to the Spirit' in 2024. And of course who could forget the label's flagship 2009 release pitting singer-songwriter Gizelle Smith alongside The Mighty Mocambos for their collaborative classic 'This is...'.
Mocambo Records has proved a bastion for contemporary funk & soul and now with the release of Turkish vocalist Peki Momés' self-titled debut, the label can boast yet another modern-day gem amongst their treasure trove.
Billed as running the gamut from psychedelia to Turkish disco, Momés delivers an outstanding debut that absolutely relishes within its engrossing soundscapes but is really catapulted to brilliance by Momés herself. A captivating presence in many ways, the vocalist playfully veers from enchanting to haunting but always the vehement focal point throughout the album.
Produced by Dustin Braun who has also contributed to projects by Malik Diao & Fred Red ('Monologue', Village Live Records), the producer's affections for an authentic analogue sound prove very much in line with the Mocambo aesthetic.
Peki Momés finds herself with some incredible support and further aided by a core line-up comprised of drummer Matthias Hetzer, percussionist Lukas Joachim and Braun himself credited for bass, keys, synth, percussion and guitar. Malik Diao rekindles his collaborative history with Braun as he tackles a variety of instrumentation throughout the album.
Alongside the excellent ensemble of musicians who are all integral to the project's sound, Momés soars amidst the album's shifting musical landscape: the undeniable groove of 'Göç Mevsimi', the playful and innovative 'Future' or the twisted psychedelia of 'Bahar'. The childhood photo for the album's cover is indicative of the charm Momés eschews throughout the album's twelve tracks as she comfortably weaves in between styles and moods riding the wave of her debut project with surprising confidence and poise.
From the hypnotic rhythms, textured instrumentation and the undeniable charisma of Peki Momés herself, this debut offering not only asserts Mocambo Records as leading curator for contemporary funk and soul, but also a record that celebrates heritage introducing Momés as an artist with substance and style.
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