Nocturne

London-based musician Alfa Mist self-issued his debut solo effort in 2015, after collaborating with vocalist Emmavie on a 2014 EP called Epoch. Like that release, Nocturne hews closer to jazzy neo-soul and hip-hop songs rather than the more expansive, improvisation-heavy material that would surface on subsequent full-lengths like Antiphon and Bring Backs, but the artists sound was already difficult to pigeonhole. The tracks on Nocturne generally feature slippery, post-J Dilla rhythms and warm, glimmering keyboards, along with lyrics from several guest singers, rappers, and poets, including members of a creative pool that also includes the likes of Jordan Rakei and Tom Misch. The results are often suitably daydreamy, particularly the floating pianos and wordless vocals of "Answers" and the skittering, guitar-driven interlude "What If." The most immediate standout is "Dreams," a gorgeous trip-hop head-nodder spotlighting Carmodys desire-filled lyrics. Lester Duval ponders the path hes taken and the progress hes made on "Closer," the albums most hip-hop-oriented track. Rakeis voice winds upward like smoke through the tripping beats and hazy chords of "Hopeful," and Misch confidently croons along to the easygoing boom-bap of "No Peace." Emmavie returns to offer words of love and assurance during the uplifting closer, "Sunrise (Pillows)." Tight and focused yet exploratory and unconventional, Nocturne was early proof of Alfa Mists singular talent. ~ Paul Simpson