Awkward Corners - Disclocation Songs (Shapes Of Rhythm)

WHAT THE COVER LOOKS LIKE:

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WHAT WE SAY:

Digi dub echoes around the succinct downtempo synthscapes of the new Awkward Corners transmission for Shapes Of Rhythm, as far flung percussion and Eastern sounds lend an exotic air to this fine London honed LP.

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WHAT YOUR EARS SAY:

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WHAT THE RELEASE NOTES SAY:

Dislocation Songs​ was recorded over the past 3 years – on and off – in ​Chris Menist​ AKA Awkward Corners’ home studio. It started as a reaction to the UK post-2016’s Brexit vote and an emotional response to the negative direction the country is taking with regards to immigration, politics and social priorities. The record shifts between optimism and resignation. The recording process offered emotional catharsis, and a space to summarise feelings that can be hard to put into words. The record is a collection of textures, rhythms and tones touching on downtempo beats, devotional music and electronic sounds. Music you can even meditate to. Chris is joined for three tracks by ​Sarathy Korwar​, who plays tablas in this setting.

Intriguing opener​ Drawing A Blank​ ​features a minimal, distorted rhythm around which filtered Balafons & Illimbas work. ​Straight Ahead​ e​mploys a unique swinging rhythm composed of a single repetitive tone. Dream-like soloing synth lines float over Chris’s conga percussion. ​I’ll Do It Tomorrow​ ​is one of Dislocation Songs​ standouts: a beautiful composition of both organic conga and percussion sounds and electronic synth lines. Dub effects punctuate throughout.

Just Around The Corner​ g​ets its groove on with Sarathy Korwar’s tablas taking centre stage alongside the exquisite sounding Shahi Baaja. A single repetitive tone is again employed to hypnotic effect.​ J​ohn Dillinger’s Death Mask Parts 1 and 2​ concludes the LP in epic style with 10 experimental minutes of delayed, flanged and distorted beats, tones, tablas and Shahi Baaja - a dark meditation on governmental failure and obfuscation.

Written, Produced and Performed by Chris Menist