Following a — highly insensitive — UK advert which encouraged artists to “retrain” during the pandemic, Germany’s Ravn Jonassen has released a new five-track EP entitled Fatima, The Struggle Is Real! The advert, which suggested that a ballet dancer named Fatima should retrain in cyber security, was a huge kick in the teeth to the artistic community when it became evident just how little support they were set to receive. Jonassen nods to all artists who felt undervalued, unappreciated, and abandoned during this period. It’s also a boost of encouragement; with each track created firmly with the club in mind, the end feels just that little bit closer.
The EP, released on Burial Soil, is made up of three original tracks by Jonassen, alongside two remixes from DJ Frankie and Radioactive Man. Opener “Fatima” sets the scene with simplicity. Stripped back breaks and nostalgic synths peppered with subtle drones and bleeps give off hugely elated vibes — it's a euphoric banger that has us extremely excited to be back on the dancefloor. The Radioactive Man remix dials up the futuristic levels, with the addition of robotic notes and a sub-aquatic line taking the track to different dimensions. The second half jumps into life, with the electro melodies coming out in full force. Whilst the core elements remain similar, this remix takes on a life of its own.
“The Struggle Is Real!” is the second of Jonassen’s originals, straying into more bass-heavy territory. Seductive whispers, a mean acid line and bassy breaks make this one a peak-time rave tool. It’s outrageously fun, with just the right amount of eerie. The only track to (just about) outshine it is the remix. DJ Frankie steps up on remix duties for this one, ramping the intensity up to breaking point. Completely changing the tone of the track, things switch from machine funk to relentless rave in the blink of an eye, making it the perfect selection for when you're after a bit more speed.
The EP is closed out with the final of Jonassen’s originals, the ethereal “There Will Be Light”. For fans of amen breaks and all round positive energy, this is the one for you. An almost cathartic way to round off the record, don’t be fooled by the calmness of the opening, it’s still going to blow your socks off.
Fatima, The Struggle Is Real! can be streamed and purchased via Bandcamp.
Connect with Ravn Jonassen: Spotify
