Search - Osunlade :: Rebirth

Well crafted showcase of a maturing artist

Jetrocket | NYC | 02/14/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Osunlade has made his name over the last decade or so as an artist and producer in the field of underground dance music. His productions on his Yoruba imprint have come to signify quality and distinction, sporting a recognizable sound signature and making each Osunlade release truly an event. On his latest offering "Rebirth", he makes a significant stylistic shift. Gone are the 4/4 club beats and instead he slows down the pace and places himself as the artist in the center. As a result, we are given a new look at an artist who is maturing and functioning at the peak of his abilities. "Rebirth" is at its heart an old-style singer-songwriter album like they use to make in the 70's. The songs are distinctive, meticulously crafted, moody and very personal, offering a glimpse into the heart and mind of this very gifted musician. While he may never be noted amongst the greats for his vocal abilities, hi reedy voice is nonetheless well presented in warm, soulful and pleasing tones. Throughout "Rebirth", Osunlade songs play with varied textures and song styles, there is a mixing of the organic with technology in a way that brings to mind the early Seal cds. While not a dance album, his dance music roots have not been shunted to the side, they are here informing the tracks in interesting and new ways. The songs have a good rhythmic sensibility that is relaxed like a good bossa nova tune. Yoruban drums can be heard particularly in the swaying 'Dating Game' which was released as a single in 2008 and is given renewed life here. Mated with that track is 'Breaking Down' which, while subdued, could still rock the club with the right hands on the deck. Elsewhere, there are beautiful lilting melodic tracks like 'Nothing More' which closes the album with an unanswered question. Another highlight is the enigmatic and wistful 'Paint Me a Picture' which could easily fit on a quiet storm radio format. 'Butterfly' is another great track, its breezy and catchy. All said, not a bad track to be found. It;s a shame that we are in a different era where there is not really a radio format that would welcome this music. I just hope that the intrepid listener seeks it out and come to appreciate the craftsmanship, love and integrity that went into the making of it. It's one of my favorites and a treasure in my collection."