Music: Neue Grafik Ensemble – Foulden Road

London-based producer, multi-instrumentalist and DJ Neue Grafik has come through with a brand new project titled Foulden Road. One of the more exciting new artists to come out of the bubbling jazz scene in the UK, the talented musician, along with his ensemble, has released a fantastic new project highlighting his skills as a composer and arranger.

As he puts it: “this mini album has been conceived as a journey from Deptford to Dalston, right through Peckham. During a personal period of transition, I put this music forward at a crossroad of all my influences, taking the time to share and experiment with a band – more than that, an ensemble.” The jazz, hip-hop and house influences can be heard throughout this rhythmic, eclectic and wonderfully produced album. Incorporating some of the most talented musicians working today in Nubya Garcia, Brother Portrait, Esinam and Allysha Joy, he is able to bring different sounds and influences together in a cohesive manner. The fast-paced “Foulden Road” sets the tone on this album with a hypnotic, energetic and rhythmic composition, with hard-hitting drums, keys and infectious basslines. Tracks like “Dalston Junction” with Brother Portrait and Esinam are brilliant, with their groovy, boom-bap beat, ethereal synths and a spoken word piece. “Voodoo Rain” is another stellar composition, with Nubya Garcia’s dominant saxophone work bringing such a warm tone to the album. The energetic “Something is Missing” is a clear highlight with its wind instrumentation and a broken-beat that is infectious and perfect for the dancefloor. The crazy vocals that Allysha Joy brings on “Hotel Laplace” are powerful, while “Hedgehog’s Dilemma” is a frantic, spoken word piece that sounds equally as lively on record as watching them do it live. “Dedicated to Marie Paule / Conclusion” is a synth and bass-heavy track with ethereal synths and another spoken word piece by Brother Portrait that sounds raw and absolutely breathtaking. Neue Grafik really excels on this release, and I can’t wait to hear new music from the talented musician.

Listen to Neue Grafik’s new project Foulden Road below via Bandcamp and don’t forget to support! Released via Total Refreshment Centre.