Presenting an intoxicating range of instrumental tracks with hip-hop, soul, and R&B influence, intrinsic is the new album from akilbeatsdenver. The release represents the first self-released, composed, produced, and curated project from the artist, following many years of collaborative work.
“I titled each song after a vitamin to reinforce the music’s intention, and hopefully create a dialog around physical health, mental health, spiritual health and overall well being,” the artist explains.
The opening “Vitamin A” steadies with spacey synths and lavish string-laden adornments, propelled by a warming bass line and concise percussion as the one-minute turn approaches. The track exemplifies the warmly, melodic tones of the production throughout, fit for warm summer nights and deep contemplation.
“Riboflavin” is another standout, touting a more soul-ready heat with a shimmering string backing, wordless vocal subtleties, and rainy-day keys. The track’s structural development stays consistent and hypnotic, with sheer atmosphere perfected by the silky-smooth instrumentation. “Folate” achieves similar stylistic charm with its funk-friendly bass line and swanky, late-night brass emulation.
The “Vitamin C” -> “Vitamin K” sequence sports some of the album’s most vibrant arrangements, from the brassy heat of “Vitamin C” to the plucky space-jam “Vitamin K,” which reminds fondly of Quiet Village’s >Silent Movie album. intrinsic is a thorough, atmospheric success from akilbeatsdenver.
Stream intrinsic:
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“Riboflavin” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of August 2022’ Spotify playlist.
