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Bugseed: Critical Moment [2012]

bugseed-critical-moment

When it comes to abstract hip hop beats, a few names may come to mind; however, it is time that Bugseed be added to that list as this drum-magician has the strength to create some of the most silky smooth, yet cutting edge instrumentals the modern hip hop world has rarely seen. Hailing from Tokyo, Bugseed always crafts a unique sound for his projects, and on Critical Moment, an EP recently released through HW&W Recordings, that unique sound still reigns supreme.

If you’ve ever listened to Bugseed before, you will be happily familiar with the chopped samples combined with the warped electronic ambiance that defines every track. The opener “wiseman” has to be one of the best track on the album; the warm keys enter your headphones and when the beat drops, a whistling horn blares out its soul as the track pours on. The colors the song paints are vibrant and stunning; the clarity is there, the definition is there and, overall, the quality is there. The rest of the songs have a very predominant electronic influence, as Bugseed is very well known to use in his music.

“engram” utilizes a wobble as the foundation of the track as filtered drums back a constant hi-hat that keeps the tempo. The “blotting map remix” takes a similar route while using live-sounding drums, rather than electronic percussion. Although most of Bugseed’s sound is the merger of electronic and hip hop, the Japanese producer is very good at incorporating various genres into his sounds, most notably jazz. Whether it is the concept of a jazzy bass line, or the blatantly obvious jazzy piano loop or saxophone melodies, Bugseed easily and artfully blends the sounds of the 19th century perfectly into the sounds of the 21st century.

Closing out the EP, “leisure” talks a routine walk down the path of trip hop. It is clear that Bugseed has a varied dimension of sound, yet he can always remain consistent through every track on his projects. From jazz to electronic to old-school hip hop, this beatsmith has the touch of a genius when it comes to hip hop production. A single track like “wiseman” can turn any listener into a fan and any fan into a Stan. Although just a short EP, Critical Moment is some of Bugseed’s finest work yet, and can only make listeners anxiously anticipate the release of his upcoming album, due out next year. Courtesy of Bandcamp, you can cop this album for only $4 or more! You can also stream the entire project, as well.

8/10

Tags : Bugseed
Stone

The author Stone

Stone is a hip-hop enthusiast residing in NJ/PA. As an aspiring hip-hop producer, Stone studies communications and shares his passion for music by letting the world in on the wonderful world of hip-hop.