Avec Avec – おしえて [MAL107]
I love it when netlabel artists release videos, it is not often enough that this happens in my opinion. So I jumped on the chance to check out the promotional video for the latest release on Maltine Records by Avec Avec. The video shot in black and white for the track おしえて (OSHIETE) is a sweet affair, and suits the mood of the music perfectly. Late night funk, washed out synths, and that awesome buzzing deep bass sound that is all over the place at the moment permeate this track to great effect, joined by an understated female vocal, whispery in nature during the chorus and dubbed over during the verse structures. It’s as if I have been thrown into a time warp and been transported into a futuristic version of the 70′s, completely whack in every way but so damn chill.
The good vibes continue with Marmalade Boogie which is irresistible if you love your upbeat cut up vocal giddiness. I can sort of make out through the pitch shifted tastiness “baby right here in my arms” but that is about it. The track bounces with confidence, complete with keyboard solos and cow bell – it shouldn’t make sense, but it does and it is probably the catchiest thing I have heard all year. Creeping strings pulsate toward the end before everything is stripped down to the original groove and let to ride out.
The short EP of originals ends at Love Amania, a track where Avec Avec slows things down a lot, switching things up entirely into a slow burner that is metaphorically dripping wet, sludgy and heavy. The introduction of a glitchy snare half way through save this track from getting tired as the Japanese producer decides to turn up the bass tenfold on the kick drum and play out the vocal line without cutting it up into microsecond pieces. It is a weird track, and takes you into a trance like state set in a neon galactic time.
Closing out the set is an Avec Avec remix byMaaya Sakamoto named Kanashikute Yarikirenai [Thanks to Kanna for the transcription] which is a sublime, clap led beat with a sweet female vocal line and funky swirly synths that carry the tune.
As soon as I finished this EP I immediately sort after the rest of this young producers works, and for some reason I didn’t enjoy his previous EP as much as this one. There is definitive improvement in this new work, and although at times the tracks may get a little tired it is still a solid effort and should be commended for blending such familiar sounds while still maintaining the what I like to call ‘what the hell am I listening to” factor. [AS]
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Deep Link To: The Release Page
Avec Avec - おしえて [MAL107],
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The remix on this EP is Kanashikute Yarikirenai by Maaya Sakamoto
Thanks heaps, I have edited the article accordingly! :)
No problem! I know how tricky the Japanese language can be.
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