On Record: Say She She – Silver (Karma Chief / Colemine)

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Silver is the second album from Say She She, the Brooklyn trio escorting their listeners (and dancers) back to the 1970s. Their second album is set up to make the most of disco, soul and funk in the spirit of Chic, after who they are named in the phrase, “C’est chi-chi!: It’s Chic!” But do they deliver beyond mere pastiche?

What’s the music like?

Exactly as the blueprint says it should be. This is so much more than tribute music, for Say She She have absorbed the music of the 1970s and brought it to us as though they are still there. Anyone new to the party in the wake of the band’s triumphant Glastonbury set will be mightily reassured to learn that their much-loved single C’est Si Bon is no one-off – even though there is understandably nothing that quite gets to that level through the album.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t good though. Astral Plane is a treat on several levels, with its soaring vocals and sighing refrain showing just how good the trio are with their voices. Forget Me Not and Bleeding Heart go the other way, surprising with their depth of emotion and meaningful lyrical content.

The jewel in the crown, though, is the magnificent C’est Si Bon, the funkiest treat imaginable with a blend of mischief and good times that are impossible to resist. It is the party anthem of the year.

Does it all work?

Pretty much the whole way through. The only criticism would be that the album is a little too long, the intensity dipping at times in the middle.

Is it recommended?

Very much so. When it hits the highs, Silver is a party treat, music that feels as good as it possibly can. Add emotional depth, and Say She She are a band who deliver on many levels.

Listen

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Published post no.2,009 – Tuesday 14 November 2023

Switched On: Carlos Ferreira – Isolationism (AKP Recordings)

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

On his Bandcamp page, Brazilian artist Carlos Ferreira is described as an ‘experimental guitarist and composer whose work explores the relationship between sound, space, time and memory.

Isolationism is meant as a study in frequency, resonance and vibration – achieved through the use of electronic and acoustic instrumentation, drones and field recordings.

What’s the music like?

Impressively varied for slow music of this type, and unusually absorbing, too. Isolationism works when listening close up, but it also gives the listener an intriguing set of perspectives as they work through the album, each track placing them in a different soundscape. Around them Ferreira blends a wide variety of slow-moving studies, each individually coloured to descriptive effect.

An Extension Of Breath, featuring sound artist Echo Ho, sets an airy mood, together with field recordings of birds that will confuse the listener walking along on headphones.

The two Quietitude tracks are rather special. Quietitude I features sustained chimes that resonate deeply over a drone that slowly makes itself known and increases in volume only slightly – but enough to sustain a good deal of tension. Quietitude II is much more distorted and ominous, providing a heavy backdrop even when the treble opens out to more opulent textures.

Clarinettist Lucas Protti is a sensitive guest on Living A Metaphor, where his opening ruminations feel borne from a street corner. Percussionist Manami Kakudo brings an unexpected bout of kinetic energy to Naturaleza Muerta, with more playful riffs and bold textures.

Meanwhile Artificial Lungs is a study in perspective, with a single probing piano line tracing tendrils that are gradually washed away by a wave of more distorted but consonant harmony. Take Shelter is more restrained before agitation returns in the form of Organic Matter, where pitches align in bright harmony against slow moving percussion given maximum reverb.

Does it all work?

It does. Some of the louder music can be quite abrasive and confrontational, but this is an observation rather than a criticism. It shows that Ferreira can evoke very different moods in the course of his work.

Is it recommended?

It is – providing more evidence that AKP Recordings are a springboard for fascinating and absorbing musical explorations. Carlos Ferreira definitely fits the bill for that.

Listen

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Published post no.2,008 – Monday 13 November 2023

New music – GU45: Danny Tenaglia (Global Underground)

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by Ben Hogwood

For the third time, Brooklyn DJ Danny Tenaglia has delivered a contribution to the Global Underground series – a series that has been a cornerstone of house music over the last 27 years.

Previous instalments in Athens (1999) and London (late 2000) were big hits and have lasted the course – but in completing the trilogy Tenaglia heads back to his home borough. The mix includes his single Move That Body, with Cevin Fisher, along with what his publicity describes as ‘a multifarious selection’ including Moderat, Monika Kruse with Pig & Dan, Dino Lenny, Radio Slave and Basement Jaxx.

You can listen to the mix below – and check back on Arcana soon for a thorough review!

Published post no.2,007 – Sunday 12 November 2023

Switched On: John Tejada – Resound (Palette Recordings)

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

The incredibly prolific John Tejada returns with his 15th album – this time pruning his music down to the bare essentials.

With seven tracks clocking in at 36 minutes, this is a record that looks for economy, Tejada having undergone a rigorous quality control process to get it released. As with much of his music the outlook is instrumental, though there is a vocal guest – March Adstrum – on the central track Fight Or Flight.

What’s the music like?

Tejada consistently impresses with his ability to write huge amounts of fully satisfying techno music that – while largely machine generated – has a profoundly beating heart.

As with much of his work, four to the floor is the base on which he operates – but there are always percussive nuances and melodic lines that keep the listener’s interest high and the dancer’s feet ready to go. Starting with woozy atmospherics, the single Simulacrum soon sets down a strong 4×4 beat, bolstered with extra percussion.

Someday has a golden glint to its production, shining through the hazy white noise. The Disease has that lovely steadying quality that Tejada can bring to his music, while Fight Or Flight – with an excellent contribution from March Adstrum – has lovely warm colours and shimmering textures. Centered is a funky piece of work – and a fine one at that – but Trace Remnant is even better, bolstered by Different Mirrors as a coda.

Does it all work?

It does. Tejada has an established style with intricate workings that repays repeated listening – and the golden haze he secures here is rather beautiful.

Is it recommended?

It is. John Tejada remains on top form!

Listen

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Published post no.2,006 – Saturday 11 November 2023

New music – DJ​-​Kicks: HAAi (!K7)

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by Ben Hogwood

In the age of streaming it is quite a feat that !K7’s DJ Kicks series continues to serve such an essential purpose – and they have now added an 80th instalment to their ongoing odyssey. In their own words:

London-based, Australian-born Teneil Throssell, aka HAAi, is known for a strain of sonic psychedelia that metabolises precise sound design, melodic techno, electronic pop and thundering beats. Following the release of her acclaimed 2022 album, Baby, We’re Ascending, HAAi has reached what she calls “another career milestone” – an invitation to steer the next edition of !K7 Records’ acclaimed DJ-Kicks series.

HAAi approached this mix with two concurrent goals: to continue to iterate on her artistic theme – which she named ‘always ascending’ – and to highlight her flair for hyperkinesis and drama behind the decks, which she achieves with BPM left-turns, endless upwards tilts and sharp accelerations, liminal transitions and moments of pure euphoria. Within the sweeping journey she moves through an expansive selection of heritage classics, future-facing artists, friends, heroes, and voices from close-knit communities, alongside a number of her own exclusive productions.

You can listen to the mix below:

Published post no.2,005 – Friday 10 November 2023