Hi Fi Mike - Swim: In The Deep
Feb 5, 21:19 by Stefan KoopmanschapListing influences like Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Chet Baker and Rae & Christian in the second line of your press sheet does trigger some expectations when you receive a new promo cd. Hi Fi Mike (Mike Wells) aims high.
Luckily, he is skilled enough. Mike proofs that self-taught musicians can easily rise above the simple amateurism. Swim: In The Deep is enough proof of that. Very much groove, very well-picked vocal artists that fit perfectly into the music. My favorite vocal work, and most fitting, are easy to pick: It’s The Kill (Bloodstain). The magical sound that comes from that beautiful voice is simply amazing. The music on this track, though magnificent, pales at the sound of that beautiul voice.
The whole album has a consistent groove, and has so much detail that even after multiple listens you discover new things. I’ve been able to listen to this album on repeat for a few hours, which is an accomplishment only a select few albums in my collection are able to reach.
Despite the magical vocals on It’s The Kill (Bloodstain), I think I must vote Desert Karma to be the best song on the album. The combination of music and vocals, the track as a whole, is slightly more to me than It’s The Kill. It’s a tough choice though. Truely, this album simply contains 8 solid tracks that all deserve the title of best track.
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