This
release comes from Japan born, Brooklyn based producer Hiro Awanohara
aka Yellowtail. With previous releases on Compost, Irma, Head to Toe
and his recent collaborations with vocalists Alison Crockett, Eska and
Monday Michiru, Yellowtail’s sound reflects influences from a wide musical
spectrum including future jazz and broken beats. As the 12�s on Amalgama
and Groovement Records are on their way, we see him drop yet another
collection of soulful joints geared as much towards the dance floor
as it would for a lazy Sunday afternoon drive.
As
the name suggests, think of a California 5 tracker as a journey through
sounds of a ’63 Hollywood picture that kicks off with a big title track
alerting the chase for the bad guys with a “James Bond but better� like
theme, heavy handed beats and moody jazz of saxophone bits. One track
flows into the other and the guitar licks of Foogaloo’s Journey finds
us cruising in sixth gear, sub bass shaking the back of a seat. There
are no remixes here, but a 100% authentic beats, driving bass lines and
addictive synths. The mood shifts slightly with the broken house beats
of Pacific Blu as a combination of bass heavy rhythm and melodic keys
carries you away. Relax now… Adjust your seatbelt, spark that spliff…
You forget to notice the pause between songs… Purple Daze is a wake up
call for all drivers to remind them it’s not the end of a ride just yet.
Funky synth stabs create a melody hard to resist. This is what you will
end up humming after Phantoms in the Mist – a closing piece of a compilation
– is over. The beats are broken – hopefully your ride is not. Whatever
it is – this is a great collection of tracks for your bagpak. You’ll see.
