ALBUM REVIEW: DJ Slouch

New Music by my friend DJ Slouch, one an EP called "Labor" and his full length album called "Travels".

Labor moves you in and out of an ambient euphony on the first track, aptly named Kaleidoscopes, with layers of strings (violins and guitars), transient beats and a floating melodic voice. It is a deep, complex richness reminiscent of a kaleidoscopic image, but with sound. My favorite track on this EP is the very next song, Black Coffee, which when I first heard it brought St. Germain to mind. But Slouch gives this kind of mix his own distinct voice. He is more energetic and fresh than Germain. Trippy electronica and that ethereal touch flavor this track with thoughts of walking through a city street after rain, swinging around arm-locked with your sweetheart. The rest of the tracks fit seamlessly with the first two with an overall urban vibe, sweet whispers, delicious funk and loungey charm.

The Travels album starts out with the same sublime sound as Labor, yet has a heavy helping of jazz styling to it. He adds more layer (if that is even possible) of delicate electronic sounds, ambient chorus and what seems vaguely experimental, without alienating the listener--as much experimental tends to do. My favorite track on this album is Airlock which to me sounds like what would come to being if Hooverphonic, Moby and Muddy Waters all got together and messed around in a studio!! Again, Slouch has this style that is so very gothic-urban, sans any depressing aspect at all. Quite the contrary, his style is poignant to me. Every time I put it on, I want to be in a dark speak-easy somewhere, drinking martini's and flirting with sophisticated, suited men.

You can find him on Facebook under the name Ian Bradley (the name on his driver's license) and find links to hear some of his music. I highly suggest you please your ears with his sonance.