Straight No Chaser / Latest Releases / E.A.R.S by Djinji Brown
E.A.R.S
Djinji Brown
Release
date: 1-6-07
Label: Yoruba Records
You can say it’s been a quiet year for Djinji Brown. We had not heard anything from his since last year’s dope “Grits” on the “Ibara: River Crossing” compilation and it’s been two years since he released “Las Siete Potencias” EP. So when we heard he was coming out with a brand new EP for Yoruba, we knew we were in for something special. The “E.A.R.S.” (Electronic Afro Rhythm Suite) EP can be seen more than just an EP, maybe more like a statement that Djinji Brown is one of the more special producers in the electronic music realm.
The Electric Afro Rhythm Suite begins its journey with “Iron Saint”. Its swinging hi-hats along with some of the most ridiculous drum programming and bass synth work we’ve heard in quite a while make this the perfect introduction to Djinji’s latest creation for Yoruba. Try not to break your neck with this one.
To cool things off, but not by too much, the EP continues with “Daddy Head Swingz”. Keeping the same swing of things (In smoother fashion though), this jazzed out track oozes with groove, with sax work reminiscent of Djinji’s own father, Marion Brown.
The Yoruba WMC 2006 Sampler was one of the most talked about samplers during the Winter Music Conference and one of the most sought-after. One of the most talked about tracks on this sampler was Djinji’s very own “Banana Shakes”. This tech-tinged broken beat has a smooth but rugged bass line, and makes this for another neck snapper by the Son of Sound.
“I might not be the baddest man in the world, but I’m in the top two!” Brown serves up some deep house that will take you straight to the dance floor with “Deep Rooted”, proving that not only will he make your head snap, but also turn your feet in to jello.
Continuing on the same spacey, broken beat vibe as “Banana Shakes”, but taking it even deeper, the Suite continues with “Saphira Sol”. This ambiental beauty brings to light how Djinji can bring so many differents shades and moods to his music with out giving up anything of who he is as a producer. Here, we find the same percussive elements, synthed out bass lines and overall sound of signature Djinji Brown, yet it creates an entire different feeling and mood from the overall Surround Sound.
Rounding this off for the EP, Djinji takes you back to neck snapping mode with “Hot Pots”. Brown counteracts some warm electronics with his techy synth chords and his infamous synth bass playing. Put that along with another dose of snare heavy programming, and you pretty much end right where you began with this Suite. It feels like kind of Djinji’s way of welcoming you back home after such an enlightening journey.
