Soweto-based artist and producer Emamkay recently released his second EP “ALPHA”, an atmospheric, tantalizing and sincere mouthful. Following his debut EP “THETA”, the album is prided with mesmerizing elements of jazz, hip hop, R’n’B and even an incremental inkling of cinematic pop. Provided that the ruthless but profound lyrical content juxtaposes the more forgiving instrumentation, the artist’s efforts have yielded a progressive product of a canny and insightful nature.
Introductory piece ‘Intoit’ and opener ‘Trane’ showcase the artist’s predominant jazz influence, specifically the likes of John Coltrane. Even the serene electric piano in the latter as well as in ‘Nuse’ and ‘Hometown’ doesn’t distract the listener from the focal point – a disorientating, lounge-esque wall of sound. Accompanied by penetrative sax melodies, the timbre succeeds in provoking a sense of attentiveness, tranquility and patience.
Lyrics such as “Acting like the Ku Klux Klan are running after you, run forest run until you reach your altitude” emphasizes EMAMKAY’s strife for profound and blunt content. Amongst the syncopated synth and disorienting bass lines, his reverb-soaked vocals in ‘UpanDown’, ‘Working Late’ and ‘InTheMids’ resemble that of Kid Cudi.
‘Wynot’, ‘TXTS’ and closer ‘Mandy Mountains’ challenges the recurrently coherent vocal style with voice-overs discussing various psychological influences regarding text messages and the differences between lust and love. With an abundance of street-sound loops, collaborations and choral musical densities, EMAMKAY has successfully showcased that he is no force to neither disregard nor reckon with.
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Listen to “ALPHA” on Bandcamp.
