Afriqua - Colored - R&S - DLP/DD - Out Now
In the case of one Adam Longman Parker's debut full-length album, the expression "eagerly-anticipated" is a deserved one. Colored comes hot on the heels of the acclaimed 2018 double 12" Vice/Principle and the preceding single Aleph, as well as a raft of limited-run 12" on smaller labels, many of which are starting to command big money on the net.
His recent catalogue certainly won't dent his cred - double-set Colored is an album of contrasting textures and styles that at first listen sound like recordings by completely different artists. However, stick with it and its true colours start to shine through. Recalling earlier works by other R&S luminaries Juan Atkins, Ken Ishii and, most recently, Space Dimension Controller, Afriqua's forte is crafting minimal atmospheric and sometimes euphoric disco-tech without resorting to head-numbing 4/4 beats.
Glitchy disorientating portentous slivers of electronica propel both Sociodelic and Shout, in the style of latter-day Yellow Magic Orchestra or 808 State, while subtle grooves and basslines provide the backdrop for Dope and Upstream, topped off with druggy synths and soulful chanting courtesy of Zap Mama.
It's perhaps Parker's undeniable talent in crafting a straight-up dance banger that sets him apart from other innovators. Side D contains the spaced-out disco-funk of Jumpteenth and Space Dookie, both of which sound like futuristic body music from some outer universe underground club.
Aside from one or two unsettling interludes, Colored is an enthralling explorative freestyle transit ride through the streets of Afriqua via New York, London, Brussels and Berlin. A real contender for Album of the Year.
9/10
His recent catalogue certainly won't dent his cred - double-set Colored is an album of contrasting textures and styles that at first listen sound like recordings by completely different artists. However, stick with it and its true colours start to shine through. Recalling earlier works by other R&S luminaries Juan Atkins, Ken Ishii and, most recently, Space Dimension Controller, Afriqua's forte is crafting minimal atmospheric and sometimes euphoric disco-tech without resorting to head-numbing 4/4 beats.
Glitchy disorientating portentous slivers of electronica propel both Sociodelic and Shout, in the style of latter-day Yellow Magic Orchestra or 808 State, while subtle grooves and basslines provide the backdrop for Dope and Upstream, topped off with druggy synths and soulful chanting courtesy of Zap Mama.
It's perhaps Parker's undeniable talent in crafting a straight-up dance banger that sets him apart from other innovators. Side D contains the spaced-out disco-funk of Jumpteenth and Space Dookie, both of which sound like futuristic body music from some outer universe underground club.
Aside from one or two unsettling interludes, Colored is an enthralling explorative freestyle transit ride through the streets of Afriqua via New York, London, Brussels and Berlin. A real contender for Album of the Year.
9/10