TURNTABLE LAB

the lab review

Taking electro-fusion to the next dimension is no easy job. But Tokyo-based futurists 9dw aren't afraid to gaze beyond the limits of the Milky Way, riding on a celestial quest toward a world where the atmosphere is analog and the beat of a neon ocean washes against a beach of synthesizer sand. Opener "Stone And Fruits(1)" is perfect glass of wine by the fireplace music. Things take a more funky turn on "Migrant(2)" and "Posse(3)." Building their sonic landscape on an arsenal of vintage instruments and technology, the music of 9dw is a refreshing mix of jazz instrumentals, skilled guitars, fresh breakbeats, and funky keys. "Black Coffee(4)" resonates with the slow burning funk of Herbie Hancock, while "Thinking Makes A Mistake(5)" carries on where Bob James and the CTI crew left off. Fans of Weather Report and Joe Zawinul will fall in love with "S.E.V.(6)." With an ear to the past and their eyes on the future, this band of the Rising Sun heralds a return to the 1970s heyday of jazz originality and flavor. Although 9dw’s self-titled debut has been available in Japan for some time, it has yet to see any form of stateside release until now. 13 tracks in all. Hand numbered collector's edition 180 gram clear vinyl.

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 10/08/2009

filed under

• wax poetics view category
• funk soul disco - albums view category
• funk + soul + latin + disco view category
• shota's jazz section view category
• vinyl new arrivals view category
• funk soul disco - new arrivals view category