Co.Fee - Easy Listening EP

Co.Fee - Easy Listening EP
Released: 2011
Genre: Electronic, Experimental, Dubstep, Hip-Hop, Instrumental

Tracklist:
01. Destroy & Rebuild
02. Spark Plug
03. Kali
04. Gypsy Skirt
05. Katana
06. Zombie Parade
07. Asante

Co.fee's EP Easy Listening will be released on the newly formed Alpha Pup imprint My Hollow Drum on April 12. Los Angeles based beat maker Co.fee presents an album of instrumental beats drawing upon a mixture of sounds. This is a recording that hits hard.

"Destroy & Rebuild" starts things off with a rousing call to arms. The crushing bass beat is contrasted with a siren like melody. This is followed by "Spark Plug" where the tempo is a little slower and the beat has more of a drone though it is no less pounding on the low end. "Kali" brings in a South Asian vocal sample. It is also a midtempo track where the regular bass beat gives it a dubstep feel. The energy picks up again with the intriguing "Katana."

When I saw the title "Katana" I was expecting something evoking a Japanese influence. Indeed after listening to the track I can picture it being the alternate soundtrack to a Samurai fight sequence in a Kurasawa film (the quick intro sample helps this). Alternately, and initially for me, the song evokes a Mexican banda flavor. The horns on the track bear an uncanny resemblance to the oompah sound of the traditional brass section of that style of music. Intentional or not, I really dig it.

The EP is rounded out with "Zombie Parade" and "Asante." "Zombie Parade" has a definite haunting and relentless quality suggested by the title. "Asante" on the other hand has a 60's soul feel like a classic Isaac Hayes joint. Thoroughly enjoyable. Those purchasing Easy Listening on vinyl will also receive "Motor City" as an exclusive bonus track. It is a deft blend of a classic hip hop kick snare beat with flowing synth melodies.

Easy Listening is an EP with a wide range of sounds and plenty of style. It has a lot going on without sounding overly complex. For those looking for a take no prisoners, one banger after another, beat record, this is it.


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