Impumelelo

南アフリカ産エレクトロ・ミュージック「アマピアノ」の旗手として注目を集める若手DJ/プロデューサー、DJブラック・ロウが、大ヒットした'21年の『Uwami』に続く、新作を2枚組LP発表!

DJ Black Lows 2021 debut, Uwami, was a rough, homegrown take on the South African dance style known as amapiano, exploring stranger sounds than some of the producers more pop-minded peers. Impumelelo, Zulu for "success," is the artists second full-length, and it immediately feels like a grand leap forward. Maintaining the midtempo BPMs and syncopated, shaker-heavy beats of the amapiano sound, Black Low balances steady grooves with ear-catching sonics, particularly the styles trademark log drum basslines, which he often contorts into sharp, dazzling formations. Compared to Uwami, Impumelelo is heavier on vocals and more hook-based, and its a more memorable effort overall. "Bo Mbali Leboh Palesa," which spotlights Dea Rebbedys swift, melodic rapping, is a clear highlight. Mellower tunes like "Dlozi Lam" and "Lepiano" precede more tense selections such as "Mekete" and "Mjolo." "Oskido" incorporates jazzy vibraphones, and the marvelous "Qhude" comes closer to a disco shuffle, setting the pace for stunning vocal performances by K.Dalo and Frego. Its been fascinating to witness the organic evolution of such a distinctive sound, and Impumelelo is one of amapianos strongest releases yet. ~ Paul Simpson