Emancipator - Safe in the Steep Cliffs

noise · 01-19-2010, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Safe In The Steep Cliffs' represents the tightest, most unique, most organic beats I've made in the last three years. This album has a new palette of sounds and samples from around the world, including more original recordings (guitar/violin/mandolin/banjo) and new guest artists including Japanese jazz musician Uyama Hiroto. It's ominous and overgrown, dense and ethereal. And epic. Always epic.

Just came out today. I know there are quite a few fans here so I thought I'd spread the news and get some talk going!

I've not had time for a proper sit-down listen yet, but I really do like what I've heard so far. His description of the album that I quoted above is spot on. There is a lot more variety here than in Soon It Will Be Cold Enough. It also feels more subdued, more subtle. Not sure yet if that's a good thing.

So far, the standout track for me is Old Devil. It has a bit of a twang to it, and reminds me in parts of music from the TV show Firefly. It's shiny!

Engine · 01-19-2010, 06:04 PM

Gotta admit - I'm pretty excited..I didn't know of this.

The UPS man should be here any minute with my Spoon CD (yea I actually bought the damn thing) so I kind of have to clear my mind out for that but this is probably next.

EDIT: so I've heard the new emancipator a few times. It's pretty good but it doesn't grab my attention like his debut does. The production is slick and perfect and that isn't necessarily good. On this album I think emancipator often walks the fine line between downtempo and elevator music. I'm not a huge fan of strings and orchestral sounds and there's quite a bit of that. Anyway, I'll still probably listen again the next time I'm in a downtempo mood and I may end up liking it more than I do now; I can't tell yet.

dac · 01-27-2010, 12:25 PM

Oooh... checking this one out ASAP.

jehovan · 01-28-2010, 12:39 PM

Can't wait 'till this hits the Euro iTunes store! Uyama Hiroto is indeed one of the best modern jazz artists, especially featuring on Nujabes' albums.

noise · 01-28-2010, 01:10 PM

i've had time to listen to it a few times now. it's definitely enjoyable, but it also fades into the background too easily. the first album, each track had an epic quality to it. it really jumped out at you.

but this one... it just sort of happens quietly.

Zarko · 01-28-2010, 08:34 PM

Probably around 4 out of 5.

I definitely prefer it to Soon It Will Be Cold Enough

01-19-2010, 06:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
Engine air quote Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: pollen & mold Posts: 3,108	Gotta admit - I'm pretty excited..I didn't know of this. The UPS man should be here any minute with my Spoon CD (yea I actually bought the damn thing) so I kind of have to clear my mind out for that but this is probably next. EDIT: so I've heard the new emancipator a few times. It's pretty good but it doesn't grab my attention like his debut does. The production is slick and perfect and that isn't necessarily good. On this album I think emancipator often walks the fine line between downtempo and elevator music. I'm not a huge fan of strings and orchestral sounds and there's quite a bit of that. Anyway, I'll still probably listen again the next time I'm in a downtempo mood and I may end up liking it more than I do now; I can't tell yet. __________________ Like an arrow, I was only passing through. Last edited by Engine; 01-22-2010 at 07:20 PM.

01-27-2010, 12:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
dac MB's Biggest Fanboy Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land Posts: 2,852	Oooh... checking this one out ASAP. __________________

01-28-2010, 12:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
jehovan Groupie Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 7	Can't wait 'till this hits the Euro iTunes store! Uyama Hiroto is indeed one of the best modern jazz artists, especially featuring on Nujabes' albums. __________________ Link removed by mod -- no advertising allowed.

01-28-2010, 01:10 PM	#5 (permalink)
noise thirsty ears Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Boulder Posts: 742	i've had time to listen to it a few times now. it's definitely enjoyable, but it also fades into the background too easily. the first album, each track had an epic quality to it. it really jumped out at you. but this one... it just sort of happens quietly. __________________ my flac collection

01-28-2010, 08:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
Zarko Barely Disheveled Zombie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 1,196	Probably around 4 out of 5. I definitely prefer it to Soon It Will Be Cold Enough