Unlike the majority of DJ Vadim’s previous projects,
One Self is not just another solitary excursion into
musicdom, but a bona fide band, formed with Swedish-Brazilian
singer/MC Yarah Bravo and American MC Blu Rum 13. Both
are long-term collaborators of Vadim, notably as part
of his touring band, Russian Percussions, and this project
is very much the fruit of a common effort.
Following two critically acclaimed singles, Be Your
Own and the recent Bluebird, the trio
are now bringing their first album, Children Of
Possibility, just on time for it to resonate all
throughout the summer. With all three taking equal ownership
of what One Self is about, there is no space for oversized
egos here. Still, both vocalists define their own breathing
space, while at times crossing each other’s path.
Blu Rum regularly ventures into off-beat poetry, shaping
clever rhymes with ease, while Bravo appears more straight-talking
and upfront. Meanwhile, Vadim crafts impeccable minimal
hip-hop beats on which he hangs a variety of sounds,
referencing in turn ethnic percussions or instrumentations,
dub and jazz. Children Of Possibility has the
hazy feel of a hot summer afternoon on the black sea
Riviera.
Snaking its way through various atmospheric settings
to progressively impregnate the brain and get under
the skin, this album is not as instantaneous and accessible
as the singles could have led to think. Still, One Self
keep things rather simple all the way through, layering
vocals, beats and samples to highlight the exchanges
between each member. On Bluebird or Hollow
Human Being, One Self expose Yarah Bravo’s
impressive and soulful singing alongside her rapping,
and provide in the process some of the highlights of
this record while Blu Rum pertinently draws subtle lines
around Vadim’s beats and confidently delivers
his stories, especially on the impressive Fear Of
The Labour, Temptation and Paranoid.
For this first project together, One Self showcase an
interesting vision of laidback contemporary hip-hop
that’s got more to say than most. Yet, this album
requires a few listens before its depth becomes fully
palpable. Children Of Possibility shouldn’t
be approached as one of Vadim’s project, but very
much as the work of a new entity. If the Vadim touch
is present all the way through, notably on the instrumental
SD2, he leaves the centre stage to his two
partners in crime, providing them with all the necessary
space to steer these twelve tracks with confidence.
In return, Bravo and Blu Rum adorn his composition with
skilful rhymes and bring the whole thing to life.
4.2/5 |
