Emerging from the bustling sonic landscape of Seoul, South Korea, Senior Dunce is far from your typical music maker. More than a producer and sound designer with over two decades of experience, he is a fearless artistic maverick — an eccentric, kick drum-obsessed architect of rhythm who embraces imperfection as a form of personal liberation. His new EP, Bestial, is a triumphant declaration of freedom, raw emotion, and the animalistic instincts lurking within us all.
Senior Dunce’s journey is as compelling as his music. Once a reserved child shadowed by bullying and self-doubt, he found sanctuary in sound, transforming pain and alienation into creative power. Now, he steps boldly into the light with Bestial, an EP that pulses with funky house beats, inviting us to shed societal masks and dance with our primal selves.
Opening with the title track “Bestial”, the EP throws us immediately into the thick of its message; a call to confront our wild nature head-on. The lyrics ask, “In this funny world, do you want it more? You cannot be dancing, if you’re not ready for the roar,” setting the tone for an anthem that celebrates embracing flaws and instincts without shame. California-based vocalist Cheshy lends her soulful energy, weaving through Senior Dunce’s intricate production with a delivery that’s at once playful and urgent.
The groove is anchored by a punchy, syncopated kick drum — no surprise given Senior Dunce’s renowned obsession — layered with infectious funky basslines and crisp, percussive textures that keep the dancefloor vibe electric. The production is polished yet unpretentious, mirroring the EP’s theme of embracing imperfection. Cheshy’s vocals soar and dip with a controlled fierceness, complementing the repeated chant, “Say it loud, I’m bestial,” which feels like a rallying cry for anyone longing to break free.
Gimpado returns as a sub-vocalist, adding rhythmic vocal flourishes that heighten the track’s dynamic tension. His presence is like a wild card, punctuating the music with playful shouts and the infectious “Doodoo Doo Doo Doo” motif that morphs into a percussive instrument itself, emphasizing the EP’s danceable, tribal energy.
Bestial explores the tension between societal repression and our untamed selves. Lines like “We are all animals in the nature. What we did in the Colosseum?” reflect a philosophical musing on humanity’s history of cruelty and instinct-driven behavior. Senior Dunce doesn’t just ask us to accept our flaws; he challenges us to recognize that the animal inside — with all its messiness and vitality — is essential to our identity.
The EP’s lyrical refrain “Say it loud, I’m bestial. You must face it / It is essential,” serves both as an affirmation and a reminder that acknowledging our primal nature is a necessary step toward true self-expression.
Cheshy’s vocals on Bestial strike a balance between smooth, funky cool and raw, emotional grit. Her phrasing is tight but expressive, bringing warmth and attitude that match the production’s vibrant energy. Meanwhile, Gimpado’s sub-vocals and playful ad-libs inject the track with a sense of spontaneity and joy, making the EP feel like a live, communal dance experience rather than just a polished studio product.
The vocal interplay creates a textured conversation that never loses momentum, inviting listeners into a shared celebration of liberation. The call-and-response moments, especially the chanting of “Ohohohohoh” and “AH! Hoo!”, add an almost ritualistic element that ties back to the EP’s theme of returning to primal roots.
Senior Dunce’s production on Bestial is a masterclass in funky house craftsmanship with a distinctly quirky and unorthodox flavor. The driving kick drum hits with authoritative punch, propelling the groove forward relentlessly. Synth stabs and rhythmic claps punctuate the beat, weaving a textured tapestry that feels both futuristic and deeply grounded in club culture’s roots.
The extended mix expands these elements with more intricate layering and space for the rhythm to breathe, perfect for long, immersive dance sessions. The instrumentation balances electronic elements with organic-sounding percussion samples, reinforcing the EP’s thematic interplay between the mechanical and the natural.
So, to all seekers of the unexpected and champions of the imperfect, meet Senior Dunce — Seoul’s beat sorcerer who dares to roar instead of whisper. Here is an artist who takes his personal history of alienation and converts it into joyous dance-floor rebellion, inviting you to celebrate the beast within. The Bestial EP is not just a collection of tracks; it’s a manifesto of liberation through rhythm and a reminder that sometimes, the wildest truths are the most essential. Prepare your feet, open your mind, and say it loud: I’m bestial.
Listen to the “Bestial” EP on Spotify
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