Drawn deeply to the emotive pull of music, Juno Mamba’s fourth EP, Cold Rush, emerges as his most poignant and personal work yet. Dedicated to his hometown of Ballarat, the EP comprises seven euphoric electronic tracks that glide effortlessly between poignancy and club-ready beats, exploring formative experiences that have shaped his identity.
Marking his first release in two years, the Naarm-based producer delivers on a highly acclaimed career that boasts nearly eight million streams since his debut in 2019. With backing from names like Tourist, Qrion, Nathan Micay, TSHA, Lane 8, and RÜFÜS DÜ SOL, and press accolades from Mixmag, Mixmag Asia, Complex UK, The Ransom Note, and NME, Juno Mamba is a name that resonates in the electronic music landscape. Notably, his single ‘Siargao Dreams’ earned the title of BBC Radio 1’s ‘Chillest Record’, while his 2022 hit ‘Us’, released through Soothsayer and Anjunadeep, has amassed over 2.5 million streams, ultimately leading to high-profile live show slots supporting John Talabot, Ben Böhmer, and DJ Seinfeld, along with DJ sets at festivals like Pitch Music & Arts and Anjunadeep’s Open Air Sydney and Group Therapy events.
In a remarkably brief period, Juno Mamba has carved out a substantial niche for himself. Cold Rush furthers this journey, weaving intricate narratives inspired by his childhood experiences, dealing with feelings of isolation due to bullying and racism as a Filipino immigrant in rural Australia, and finding solace in Melbourne’s underground club scene. Each track on the EP showcases his innate talent for evoking a wide spectrum of emotions through music.
Ballarat’s winter memories particularly influence the EP’s overall sound design, notably informing the progressively uplifting ‘Spring Light’. Juno Mamba’s personal touch shines brightly on the opening and closing tracks. ‘undrcut’ tackles the struggle of trying to fit in and the realization that being different is perfectly okay, depicted through rumbling breakbeats interspersed with drum patterns. ‘Together’ celebrates the supportive figures from his past, especially a childhood friend who stood up for him; this camaraderie is captured in the track’s pulsating synth leads, embodying the joy of shared moments with close friends.
The EP also sees Juno Mamba evolving as a producer through innovative sampling from his past works. Tracks like the energetic ‘Too Close’ extend the narrative of his 2021 track ‘Blue Light’, delving into his underage club experiences and fast-paced relationships in Ballarat. Meanwhile, the nostalgic lead synth of ‘G2G’ harks back to his teenage years, filled with young love and the era of MSN and Limewire.
Consistent with his entire discography, Cold Rush showcases Juno Mamba’s ability to paint vivid pictures through both production and vocal elements, eliciting strong emotional responses. “This record is the first where I felt like I could hear a sound in my head and then try to create that,” he reflects. “It’s like my production ability caught up to my imagination.”
Overcoming thoughts of quitting music during a period of artistic stagnation, Juno Mamba has now sculpted the musical world he long envisioned, a testament to the creative sanctuary music has always provided him.
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Feature photo by @max.ianna
Cold Rush is out now: https://junomamba.lnk.to/ColdRush
