New Zealander Julien Dyne is a multi-instrumentalist with a long and impressive history of collaborative, live and solo musicianship. He is best known for his solo work as BBE and having worked with the likes of Theo Parrish, Steve Spacek, Andreya Triana and Lord Echo. In addition to this – having remixed the likes of Marcel Vogel, Ghostwave and Leroy Burgess (alongside Frank Booker) – Dyne has also accumulated a number of accolades over the course of a 10-year career including but not exclusive to being hotly tipped by both Moodymann and Gilles Peterson.
Dyne’s new project for 2018 is the 11-track LP, Teal, on Miles Cleret’s legendary Soundway Records. The album, a masterpiece of future soul and afro-percussive house, is more uptempo than what we’re used to from Julien, and it’s a welcome change of pace. The project practically oozes soul while demonstrating Julien’s skills as a multi-instrumentalist and visionary producer. Included are collaborations with fellow New Zealander Mara TK, long term band-mate Ladi6, Fat Freddy’s Drop’s trumpeter Toby Laing, Australian vocalist Tim Guy, and Jazz luminaries Jonathan Crayford and Jon Bell.
[soundcloud url=”https://soundcloud.com/boltingbits/premiere-julien-dyne-youyou” /]
While it’s hard not to discuss each track in excruciating detail, we’ll take a look at the second track on the album, “YouYou.” Julien’s synth-work is on display from the jump, as big reverbed hits ring out before the percs start knockin’. This track is a certified vibe-bringer, and if we stripped most of the instrumental away, the bassline alone would cause a ruckus. Playful arpeggios and Julien’s masterful use of delay add so much movement to the track, making it impossible for listeners to get bored. Most impressively, “YouYou” feels like an organized live jam. What more could you want?
As a whole, this is a body of work fit for the dancefloor and for home listening. Double threats like this shouldn’t be missed, so grab the double vinyl and add it to your already impressive collection of tunes. For the digital folks, the album is available to purchase/stream from all major online retailers and streaming outlets.
Ryan
