Description
Label Review.
2017 album. Ninja Tune.
Our Overview.
A phenomenal talent, Jordan Rakei is a 25 year old New Zealand born, London based, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer with an incredible soul voice, a rare talent whose distinct take on soul captures a sonic and emotional awareness many artists spend their entire careers chasing. He writes with a maturity and flair that belies his years and new album ‘Wallflower’ sees Jordan edging beyond the peripheries of the genial, often sun-flecked sound his fans have come to know him for. The easy swing that has been the backbone of his sound from the outset is ever present, harking back to teenage days spent in his bedroom with his beloved MPC trying to emulate 9th Wonder and Pete Rock.
On ‘Wallflower’ the tools and the process have evolved - the focus is on live instrumentation - but the groove and the cadence are unmistakable, framing soul and jazz in a truly vibrant oeuvre that simultaneously recalls his predecessors The Roots and peers The Internet, Nick Hakim and Hiatus Kaiyote. The Invisible’s Dave Okumu, Alfa Mist and Kaya Thomas-Dyke all appear as guests.
His self-released debut album ‘Cloak’ in 2016, which received support from The Fader (“Full of airy post-Dilla soul”), SPIN, Clash and Earmilk and earned him a coveted set at Pitchfork Avant-Garde Block Party, supports for the likes of Jamie Woon and NAO and was handpicked by Annie Mac for her AMP club night. Jordan also recently performed on Boiler Room with Richard Spaven.
The vocalist is a real talent, an artist capable of stretching his capabilities to effortlessly cross genres and styles. New album 'Wallflower' shuffles from modern soul to jazz and electronics, material that continually reinvents itself.