A Constant Charade＜限定盤/Ochre Vinyl＞

オークランド出身のアーティスト/プロデューサー Elujay。Hypebeastから「ベイエリアで最も才能あるシンガーソングライターの一人」と称される彼がdrink sum wtrよりソロ名義でリリース。R&Bを軸にヨットロック、ソフィスティポップ、ダンスホール、アルジール、ラヴァーズ・ロック、そして自身のトリニダード的ルーツの響きをブレンド。アルバム冒頭「Rogue Heart」では、ブレイクビートの上を浮遊するElujayのフロウが疾走し、本作の核心的メッセージを提示。緩やかで流動的なギターラインと脈打つビートが、その感覚を音で体現します。

A Constant Charade is the follow-up to Circmvnt, an album Elujay wrote in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. The singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer grappled simultaneously with the virus and a case of mononucleosis, and though he made that 2022 offering with remote assistance -- the process changed his previously negative view toward online collaboration -- it was a work of isolation by any other measure. This set is more on an interpersonal level, with the title alluding to the ways people conceal their true selves, whether code-switching in everyday interactions or being less than 100-percent real in relationships. Aided by a contingent of two dozen fellow writers and producers, Elujay also refines and further layers his sound here, remaining a progressive R&B artist with subtle hints of everything from early-80s soft rock and scruffy dream pop to house and drumnbass in the mix. Out of all the associates involved, co-writer and guitarist Nicholas Creus is the one whose impact is most evident, spinning dewy webs of sound that are clearer and more jazz-rooted than those of Mk.gee. They mesh well with Elujays voice, an instrument that maintains a pacifying quality even in moments of frustration, uncertainty, and heartache. The effect is most stirring in "Hyundai," a drifting, bittersweet ballad that all but levitates. Elujay examines and attempts to understand the behavior of a love interest before closing with "Are you running from all that you ask for?," and he makes it sound like a sweet nothing. Several other songs here are among the Oakland natives finest. The relatively driving "Flotilla" seems designed for chasing the horizon (while admitting self-distrust and considering a breakup). "Jennys Lament," built on a spring-loaded beat with a passing resemblance to anything that samples the deathless "Ashleys Roachclip" break, brilliantly conveys deep affection and unbearable longing. Some listeners might miss the reggae and higher BPMs Elujay has effectively deployed on his own and as one-half of Jems! with J.Robb, but this is his artistic peak thus far, a softly glowing delight from front to back. ~ Andy Kellman