ABEL OKUGAWA
Dance Like A Speaker
Within the accompanying CD booklet of Abel Okugawas Dance Like A Speaker, youll find a figure walking the streets with a speaker for a head. Are they a physical manifestation of the beats running through the artists own mind, dark and cavernous, the subwoofer of the subconscious vibrating with rhythms that hypnotize and cause involuntary head nods? Nestled away in the confines of the Monkeyclaus recording studios of Roseland, Virginia, Okugawa wears the hat of sonic sorcerer, conjuring up spells with healthy doses of dub, hip-hop, and electronic music with cosmic sensibilities. If you are one of the lucky few to get your hands on the limited edition CD, youre immediately struck by the screen print cover art, both visually appealing and curiously tangible. However, in a contemporary society that places importance on style before substance, perhaps ones left to wonder if the music within matches the beauty of the packaging. Have no fear: with Okugawa behind the mixing board, you are in good hands.
Right from the albums opening track, Subtle, youre caught between the sensitive interplay of the rough and the smooth. Waves of harmonic chords wash over the drum programming, assertive in its approach while still open to suggestions. Need UR Love seamlessly weaves an audio bed for bedrooms worldwide, the loping percussion falling victim to the seductive soul loops above it. Peal is wonderfully ethereal with a simplistic rhythm pattern, leaving room for a bass line from outer space to be sprinkled liberally, but never overpowers the track. Its obvious that Okugawa knows the sounds in his aural spice rack intimately and is able to create beat dishes that burst with flavor. A handful of musicians provide their own well-placed seasoning, be it the guitar and bass work of Raphael Wintersberger or the immediately comforting tablas of Loren Oppenheimer.
Okugawas music is somewhat reminiscent of Trickys previous material, but theres a glaring difference thats worth mentioning. Rarely will Adrian Thaws leave his production without his distinct Bristol rasp spouting stream of consciousness lyrics. Outside of the dulcet tones of vocalist Rahimah von Briesen (whose singing can be regarded as another instrument within this albums context), Okugawas brand of subterranean abstract blues stands on its own beats. Selections such as Mr. Moba and Roses serve as evidence. When words are needed, nothing is left to chance. Featured artists Regime Change spit plain and bitter truths that act as the perfect accompaniment to Okugawas instrumentals. The stark boom bap of Fo Sho is accentuated by orchestra swells and disciplined poetic waxing that praises motherhood and shines light on societal injustice. Such bittersweet ruminations continue on Reparations, cushioned by inviting musical tones and rhythms inspired by the motherland.
Abel Okugawa has created a work of bold color and infectious melody. To miss Dance Like A Speaker is to miss a life-affirming soundtrack.
Dance Like a Speaker is now available !
A new release from the Recording Artist , Abel Okugawa , features a hand full of his associates, a Limited Edition 200 Print CD , and Digital Download 15 track Album. Filled with Enchanted melodic beats.
Dance Like a Speaker is a new album by Abel Okugawa specializing in Enchanted melodic beats , to Future Hip-Hop. A 15 track album, that will take you on an audio journey through urban sound-scapes and melodic, catchy songs. All the music has that special Abel Okugawa Dub style and sound that has been compared to the likes of Bjork, Tricky and Lee "Scratch" Perry. This is the most definitave album from Okugawa to date . Get your copy now !
Loading...
8:18
Angels - by Abel Okugawaby strainstock2,165 views
Link to this comment:
All Comments (0)