Tensei: Constellate
Tokyo Dawn Records
This half-hour EP from Chicago-based duo Midas Wells and Chris Kramer upholds Tokyo Dawn's affinity for widescreen production and uplifting vibes. And as is often the case with the label's releases, Tensei's filters a smattering of styles—soul, jazz, funk, electronica, R&B, et al.—through a hip-hop lens. Deeming it “modern soul fusion,” as the press text does, is a perfectly fine way of articulating what's on offer, with seven of the duo's creations augmented by guest turns by MCs and singers alike, among them A. Billi Free, Liv Warfield, Sam Trump, Sulaiman, Yaw, and Jimetta Rose. Strap yourself in ‘cause there's bounce and headnod aplenty.
With A. Billi Free on vocals and harpist Brandee Younger sweetening the arrangement, the soulful “Liquid Tongues” establishes a breezy funk-slash-hip-hop vibe from the drop. Speaking to their skills, Wells and Kramer thread woodwinds, synth sparkle, and dollops of sunkissed atmosphere into the arrangement, making for four minutes of resplendent bass bump. A tough drum groove animates the classic R&B get-down of “What If,” featuring Liv Warfield of New Power Generation renown. Flutes, back-up vocals, and a lowdown clavinet figure deepen the funk in a jam that's markedly different from the opener but no less tasty.
Sam Trump guests on the enticingly melodic “Amazing,” whose old-school swing oozes positivity from every pore, while ADaD and Jimetta Rose scatter no shortage of soul across the neck snap of “Baby.” Changing things up even further, “Ask Them” ventures into Afrobeat territory with Najite (Najite Agindotan) & Olokun Prophecy added to the mix, after which “Telemetry (Midas Mix)” takes the EP out with a clubby fever dream graced by Chicago vocalist Kiara Lanier. Throughout this set, Wells and Kramer constantly show themselves to have big ears when it comes to sonic detail, every cut handled with care and built into a mini-symphony. As solid as the songs are, it's the arrangements that dazzle most.January 2019