Let’s admit it: There have been easier years for releasing a beatmaking-record than in 2012. The output in this and in the previous year have almost saturated the market – especially since the genre of instrumental has experienced a public upgrade. Hence, it takes some very special beats in order to stand out between cloud-rap-instrumentals and 8-Bit-house-jazz-fusions. HipHop, 8-Bit and now also house: these are the influences, which Groundislava has worked with on his second LP »Feel Me«, though the listener sure needs some time to get accustomed to these new vibes. Because this time, Groundislava has hidden his fondness for chipmunks and 8-Bit-beeping gallantly underneath shimmery synthesizers and slow HipHop-beat-patterns. The sound of Shlohmo’s label-colleagues at Friends of Friends has grown up; unfortunately, growing up is in this case just another synonym for… well… boring really. »Feel Me« is quiet and cuddly, though it seems to be wanting to roar free here and there – but only very, very rarely. To draw a comparison: Shlohmo’s work also doesn’t stick out due to Hello-AWAKE-effects, but he evokes musical depths and takes the listeners with him into a fascinating drowsiness. »Feel Me« isn’t drowsy, it’s slightly dizzy at its best. In addition, the album just doesn’t create a mood that remains – it wobbles along too shallowly. Groundislava has missed the opportunity to sharpen the crucial edges in order to set free his – doubtlessly – great potential on »Feel Me«.
Feel Me
