If you’ve been an avid HD reader for over a year or so, you've probably stumbled upon Jaaska, a Brooklyn-based act known for his esoteric applications in his work, and quite an incomparable take on electronic as a whole. Even if you haven't, though, it's going to be a wise investment of your time to check out the beatmaker's sophomore EP, Videshi, that's set to raise an eyebrow or two with the intricacies within, as his abstruse sampling selection gravitates to a whole other level on each of the six tracks it contains. There's an undeniable influence of classic Indian Cinema scores amongst most of the tracks, but the ones that illustrate it most are “Chinna Chinna”, “Silk Plains”, and “Odisha”. From the indecipherable vocals, to the distinctive choice of percussion, the NY-based producer pays his due respect to the vocalists utilized, and manages also to create cutting-edge renditions of work you’d probably never come across. The bass elements and tingling synths somehow complement the arcane samples gorgeously, and with deft, spontaneous editing of raw, plucky melodies we’re not so familiar with, the setting created is one we can dive into effortlessly. With drums overlaying the unfamiliar percussive elements not too overwhelmingly, there is also a hard-hitting cadence amongst each of the tracks, providing an opening to any experimental electronic enthusiast too. Jaaska also peacocks his adept production skills on the rest of the project, as “Fatal Fury”, ”Star Videsh”, and “Sun Palace” demonstrate his abilities with inclusions of mystic synths, deeply thought-out chord progressions, and unmatched drumwork fusing—and then shouldering even more South Asian samples in mesmerizing fashion. The hypnotizing nature of the pieces are overly contagious, whether it be due to the piercing tambourines, or the magnetizing stabs (it doesn’t really matter, honestly). All we know is that Jaaska’s ability to blend these unfathomable yet alluring sounds is at a par of its own. The NY resident’s sound to some may be intimidating at first, but we strongly suggest you plunge into the body of work without any preconceived notions, simply because there are only a handful of producers who possess a flair like this. Stream below, and purchaseon iTunes.
Jaaska