Alif Tree - Clockwork

New Albums - Electronica & Hip Hop Albums

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French musician Alif Tree's style has been described in many ways - upbeat trip-hop, modern downtempo and jazzy ambient chill-out.

Whatever genre Alif Tree may or may not be, there is no doubting the sheer eclecticism and individualism of new release "Clockwork". From the airy and cello-infused "Never Be the Same" which features captivating vocals and a beautiful chorus-line, to the mysterious opening track "Aurevoir", to the groovy, dirty and bluesy "Way Down South" which bears a remarkable resemblance to "The Sopranos" theme song, this album is anything but predictable. And that is just the first three offerings!

Added into the mix is the French-sounding "Mai" featuring a mouth-organ as well as the vocals of Emilie Satt, the sultry jazzy sounds of "Without He", and the more piano and percussion-led ultra-funky "Not Gonna Waste My Time". "Reality" is also a hit, featuring a dramatic piano-led chorus.

Alif Tree is a rare talent. Anyone who is a fan of the diverse Gotan Project or obscure jazzy chill-out music in general will be in for a treat.

9/10

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VA – Smoove pres: MO’ RECORD KICKS: Act II

This latest collection from label Record Kicks is easy on the ear.

If it doesn’t have you dreaming of better days in the snap of a second, there is something wrong with you. This record is an aphrodisiac for the modern workplace.

From "The Young Patter" by the Baker Brothers and "Prophets Bound to Christ" by William Joseph Fowler & the Disciples, DJ Smoove mixes up a storm on record Act II. With the types of sounds that would be at home at a funk club in the funkiest of cities in the funkiest of countries, there is no denying that DJ Smoove is, for want of a better description, a cool cat.

A particularly favourite track of this reviewer is "Rags to Riches" by the Liberators, a fresh afro-funk act hailing from Sydney, Australia. The track is so rich with the sounds of Africa, it is a wonder it was not produced in, ummm, Africa.

The Diplomats of Solid Sound have been on my radar for a while, and so have Lack of Afro. So it does not surprise me that the Lack of Afro remix of the Diplomat’s tune "Give Me One More Chance", is an outright classic.

Similarly to a lot of the new releases from the team at label Record Kicks, this is highly recommended!

Label: Record Kicks

8/10