Co La - Soft Power Memento (Cassette tape, CD)

I’m a big fan of Cola...specifically Cherry Coca-Cola. It’s my life fuel and I’d pretty much be fucked without its unique, refreshing blend of water, sugar and cherry flavouring enriching my daily life. I like to think Baltimore producer Co La is a fan too.

‘Soft Power Momento’ is the second album from Co La and, much like his debut ‘Daydream Repeater’, it’s mad decent. This time he’s leaning toward jazzier acoustic instrument samples which makes for an earthy, listening experience without neglecting the need for focused rhythms and some kind of dance-floor appeal, however vague that might be. I guess parallels with Four Tet’s early work could be made (mainly due to the choice of samples) but, for the most part, the music on ‘Soft Power Momento’ is fairly unique, tuning into the idea of abstract experimentalism without being an irritating fuckwad with no ideas that just wants to destroy my ears and brain.

Oddly, its patchwork of ‘anything goes’ sequencing is challenging without being burdensome and, for the most part, the listener is rewarded with a fresh approach to rhythm, melody and song structure without feeling abused by sound. Definitely a name to look out for.