By LC Flowers
One by Origami Bones bridges gaps amongst the genres of trip-hop, ambient and shoegaze, at times all in one song.
The opening two tracks transported me to a weekend bedroom feeling, where I felt as if I was floating somewhere in between sleep and waking life; with a tasteful array of of samples. The production is rich with British notes and reverb, perhaps fitting to the gloom that autumn often brings. One is aesthetically varied throughout; the constant element being an esoteric vocal aura. “In Jowl” and “Burden of Proof” drumbeats breathe movement into the album, remaining as abstract as before, but with a wider access. The latter of the two is a loop of sensuality.
This album was made to engage and embrace the listener, as if the song order was curated to create, maintain and discard a mood. It is never dull or uninteresting and it explores a slew of electronic textures. This is particularly evident on “Jailbird”, which in this writer’s uninhibited opinion, is the most appealing song of the album. The vocals breathe over a well structured song with a layered atmosphere and sparsely utilized samples.
Words have meanings and sounds have power. Lyrics have both. “Third Sky” is the first song to have words available and they’re as heartbreaking as they are revealing.The rhythm decelerates, but it is at this midpoint that One finds its comfort in songwriting.
The influence of hip hop is most real during “Spine Diving”. It’s 36-Chambers-era-Wu-Tang-meets-early-Portishead hypnosis. As the album embarks on its self-inflicted demise, the aptly named echoic ballad “The End” reminisces about distant and dissonant relationships told through samples and darkened sentences. “Hiding Place” brings it all to back full circle, the aural equivalent of escaping while laying on a cold pillow while being caressed by a silky fur hand.
One is vulnerable, potent and most importantly: honest. Its production, diverse and capable, is the foundation that sustains a somber voice.
https://desoplex.bandcamp.com/album/one
Origami Bones Future Dates:
April 17th @ The Como Cabana
April 23rd @ Walker Art Center for the Walker Teens event
April 24th @ Schmidt Artist Lofts for Art Crawl
May 10th @ Kitty Cat Klub w/ Hot Date
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