8man | Loops | Dub Temple Records

Roll yourself in the blanket of soothing sounds that is 8man’s Loops and you will find surreal pleasure.

All four flawlessly composed tracks are a welcome escape with its relaxing waves of pleasure, in this too-short compilation. The obscure yet serene opener “Relax” sets the tone for 8man’s first ever solo release, as you journey through the loops.

What is interesting is that Loops’ tracks are short in length. These tracks are like teasers, getting a taste of each unique hip hop variation throughout the total seven minutes of the EP. 8man seems to effortlessly string together an array of different hip hop styles which bring forth a comforting aural bliss.

The first track featured on the album, “Take Your Mind Away”, certainly achieves that; softly plummeting into a calming hip hop-based track and making you absorb its serene sounds. “Layers” then takes you to an entirely different plane with its abrupt shift into a jagged, but chilled hip hop tempo.

Once more, you are unexpectedly driven into a different hip hop landscape, with the introduction “Nova”- undeniably his best track. “Nova” takes you on a secluded journey through calming island vibes, with its myriad of varying percussions that is bathed in cool double-bass rhythms and swaying vocals.

At the eclipse of Nova’s waves, Loops then transcends into its final track, “Africa”, which plays up to the gentle but powerful effects a simple piano chord progression can have on a person’s state of utter relaxation. Reminiscent of the styling of J Dilla, this track is beautifully composed and has all the elements of sublime tranquillity – soothing vocals, rhythm shaping keys, and a steady swaying beat.

So lie back and think pleasant thoughts as you absorb the relaxing sounds of the mind drifting surreal pleasure that is Loops.

(by Phoebe Baker)

8man 'Loops' is available at 

http://dubtemplerecords.bandcamp.com/album/8man-loops

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