Release Date: Jun 14, 2019
Genre(s): R&B, Alternative R&B
Record label: Ninja Tune
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Jordan Rakei, the New Zealand-born, Australia-raised collaborator who quickly made a name for himself within London's varied music scene, has shifted his focus on Origin. Rakei's third record is a pivot away from the introspective exploration of anxiety that characterized his second record, and first for Ninja Tune, Wallflower, instead constructing a dystopian future not too far from our present. Origin is propelled by lush production, its hook-filled melodies and jazz inflections giving a listeners a taste of his diverse influences ….
Rakei's name has been on the lips of music creators and consumers since his Groove Curse E.P in 2014. His electric soul was magnetic and songs like "Add The Bassline" and "Alright" have become essentials for anyone well-versed in South London's lucrative music scene. Rakei's charm is in his musical breadth. He is a multi-instrumental talent that never ceases to stuff his sound with the newest and most exciting production.
Experimental production combines with soulful pop here, as we see Jordan Rakei is at his brightest and boldest - and he should be, having recently spent time in the studio with Nile Rodgers. There's real variety on this project. Take the lush, full harmonies and synths of opener 'Mad World', layered up with handclaps and vocal samples, or the haunting strings of 'Speak'.
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