ZiOn

 "Music was the lamb that made a lion out of me."

 "Breath from Another is one of the best trip-pop experiments of the period."

Breath From Another, Esthero’s 1998 debut album, is celebrated as one of the best trip-hop experiments of its era. Produced by Martin McKinney, it blends hip-hop, electronics, and orchestral elements, creating a dreamy and hypnotic atmosphere. Despite limited commercial success, the album showcases Jenny-Bea Englishman’s unique vocals and strong songwriting. Tracks like 'Heaven Sent' and 'That Girl' highlight its range from dark rock to pop sensibilities. This review invites listeners to rediscover a hidden gem from the 90s trip-hop scene. Listen to Esthero’s captivating debut and explore the lush soundscape of 90s trip-hop today!

 In the Highest of Skies is one of the strangest and most weird works ever made in our country.

 The journey leads to the depths in which the human being can sink—from panic attacks to abominations and animalistic regression.

Silvano Agosti's 1977 film In the Highest of Skies delivers a provocative and harsh allegory about humanity's descent into madness when trapped in an elevator. Despite powerful imagery and a striking soundtrack by Nicola Piovani, the film suffers from an unclear political message and a limited setting that reduces its overall impact. While not reaching the heights of Pasolini or Petri, it remains an intriguing underground protest film for niche audiences. Discover this provocative underground classic and explore the raw human nature trapped between faith and madness.

 The album by The Cinematic Orchestra... has the merit of fusing past, present, and future, and does so with a contamination that reflects a globalized world.

 The stars continue to illuminate the path of Every Day, even two decades later, and they will continue to illuminate it for a long time to come.

The review praises The Cinematic Orchestra's album Every Day for its innovative fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and electronic elements. It highlights the artistic maturity achieved through collaborations with Fontella Bass and Roots Manuva. The album is noted for its intricate arrangements and blending of tradition with modern sounds. It's described as a timeless work that honors and renews musical heritage while reflecting a globalized world. Dive into the transformative sounds of Every Day and experience a seamless blend of genres that define musical evolution.

 It’s all a trick, a splendid illusion.

 If you’re looking for relaxation and a bit of magic, sit in your favorite armchair, close your eyes, and play The Lucid Effect.

The Lucid Effect by 40 Winks is a standout instrumental hip-hop album showcasing maturity and bold experimentation. The Belgian duo crafts rich, layered soundscapes that go beyond typical loop-based beats. The album blends jazz, drum and bass, and cinematic elements, appealing even to listeners unfamiliar with hip-hop. While the second half strays from classic boom bap cohesiveness, the overall work is praised as the duo’s best to date. Listen to The Lucid Effect and experience a masterful blend of jazz, hip-hop, and cinematic sounds that redefine instrumental music.

 Fragments is indeed a product of our times, characterized by detachment, reflection, solitude.

 Fragments, on the contrary, returns to us a Bonobo in form, guilty only of having over-decorated his productions a bit too much.

Bonobo’s 2022 album Fragments offers a smooth blend of club-oriented electronic music infused with ethereal and jazz elements. Recorded during the pandemic in Los Angeles, it reflects solitude and reflection. While praised for its melodies and guest vocals, the album’s overly polished production is noted as its main flaw. Overall, it’s a strong and enjoyable addition to Bonobo’s discography, though a bit less impactful than BlackSands. Discover Bonobo’s Fragments—listen now and explore its vibrant blend of electronic grooves and ethereal melodies.

 Deadringer by RJD2 can be inserted into this category [classics]… works for which it is not inappropriate to talk about 'classics' because they are capable of gaining value when compared to the present.

 What is killed here is the 'lookalike' of true hip-hop, that bad taste always ready to strike, yesterday as today.

Celebrating twenty years since its release, RJD2's debut album Deadringer remains a timeless piece in instrumental hip-hop. Rich in samples ranging from funk to noir film dialogues, the album offers a cinematic experience. Despite some minor flaws like its length, it stands out among its contemporaries and resonates more strongly when compared to modern rap/trap productions. Deadringer is praised as one of the best debut albums of the new century, solidifying RJD2’s place in underground hip-hop. Discover the cinematic world of RJD2’s Deadringer—stream this classic instrumental hip-hop album and experience a timeless sound today!

 It's difficult to judge such a work, where voices, ethereal melodies, vinyl crackles, and field recordings seem to converse for a moment only to then get lost in the cosmic void.

 A music that is not music and that seems to blend with reality, with our breaths, whispers, and cries.

Burial's Antidawn EP marks a profound dive into dark, minimalistic soundscapes, blending fragmented rhythms with ethereal voices. The review highlights the artist's evolution from dubstep roots to a near ambient style, crafting music that is enigmatic and deeply atmospheric. Despite its complexity and abstraction, the EP invites reflection on beginnings and endings in both music and emotion. Dive into Burial's haunting Antidawn EP and experience a mesmerizing journey through dark, ambient soundscapes.

 "The not-so-excellent sound immediately draws attention, and a good part of the responsibility falls on producer JS16."

 "In Stereo soon sinks into the abyss of indecency, a zone sadly close to the derisive raspberries from Eduardo’s memory."

The review revisits Bomfunk MC's 1999 debut album In Stereo, which followed the global success of the single Freestyler. Despite nostalgic appeal and some listenable tracks, the album suffers from poor production, repetitive lyrics, and inconsistent sound, leading to disappointment. Only a few songs are salvaged amidst a largely flawed record. Ultimately, it reflects the end of the band's international breakthrough. Discover the story behind Bomfunk MC's In Stereo — listen, reflect, and explore the highs and lows of this 90s electronic hip-hop album.

 Analog Dance Music, with its subtle use of electronics, is more suited to immersive listening from an armchair or sofa, rather than wild and sweaty dances.

 The arrangements are all too similar and Eirik’s voice, often whispered, doesn’t bring much excitement to the Kommode’s songs.

Analog Dance Music by Kommode offers a nostalgic blend of disco, indie rock, and atmospheric pop with introspective lyrics. Eirik Glambek Bøe’s subtle vocals and similar arrangements lend the album a laid-back vibe best suited for immersive listening rather than energetic dance floors. While the work is enjoyable, it doesn’t quite reach the creative heights of Kings of Convenience or Erlend Øye’s solo projects. The album is a solid listen but falls short of outstanding. Listen to Kommode's Analog Dance Music for a nostalgic yet introspective disco journey.

 The technique of Gravity is exquisite, and from the very start, we understand we are not dealing with a sampler novice, but an expert producer.

 'A Paroxysm of Excellence' fulfills almost all the promises contained in the ambitious title and demonstrates that hip-hop is not limited to just the verbal side.

Gravity's 1998 EP 'A Paroxysm of Excellence' is praised as a standout instrumental hip-hop work blending boom-bap with experimental and jazz elements. Produced by Swedish DJ Kristjan Frederiksen, the EP features dark, hypnotic beats and expert sampling, drawing favorable comparisons to DJ Krush. Despite being underground and without a full album, the EP remains an impressive and innovative release in the genre. Listen to Gravity's 'A Paroxysm of Excellence' and explore a unique instrumental hip-hop journey.