Yadava – All Is Well [Church] “It Rains Here” Album review


The South London staple, Church, should be known to every one of our followers. Headed by its equally distinguished boss, Seb Wildblood, the label has managed to carve itself into its own unique niche within the underground. Developing a sound all their own, Church has become the premier destination for sultry, hazy, jazz-infused house music. As of late, the music has been getting even more sophisticated, and, at times takes a step away from house altogether. With releases from producers such as the young up-and-comer, Ben Hauke, a mini LP from Nicholas, and of course the critically acclaimed, first full length album for the label from Laurence Guy, we’re always eagerly awaiting the next thing Church throws at us.

[soundcloud url=”https://soundcloud.com/boltingbits/premiere-yadava-all-is-well” /]
“It Rains Here” is that next thing, and it’s the debut album from under the radar Manchester talent, Yadava. We can only assume the title of the album is referring to the oft-dreary weather of his home city. Not to fear though, this album is just the perfect cure for those rainy day blues. Immediately catching your ear is the opener, Strange Worlds, with its funky walking bass and elegant keys, you know you’ve already been sucked in for the full experience. Weightless takes you one step deeper and is the perfect compliment, if there ever was one, to watching those raindrops slowly trickle down your window. The muted, fluttering horn and off-kilter keys on Diverge are akin to the fidgety feelings of restlessness accrued while waiting for that first break in the clouds.

Luckily, you don’t have to wait much longer as the first rays of sunshine come in the form of Rebecca’s Jam. Let the warm percussion and guitars give you a taste of Yadava’s versatile taste and wide array of influences. Hiromasa’s Interlude continues in a similar vein and is a nod to the late Japanese jazz savant, our only gripe here is that we wish it were longer. The lead single on the album, All The Fills, is arguably the most dance floor friendly track here and is bound to be rinsed extensively this summer due to its big horns, captivating rhodes solo and of course, all the fills. As the Portuguese title suggests, Saudade brings with it a sense of melancholy, reminding us that not so long ago we were trapped indoors, waiting for that first faint glimmer of hope.

On the last side of the album we have another interlude, Herman’s Keys, undoubtedly a similar acknowledgement to a great jazz talent, a theme that’s been apparent throughout. Following up is our premiere, All Is Well, and as the title suggests, so it is… With what can now be recognized as his signature percussion and funky bass, Yadava’s penultimate track has an undeniably dreamy character lent to it by the musing keys, cosmic effects and squelchy synth work. Capping off the LP is Morning Pt. 2, reminding you about the sensational dream you had the night prior. The end of the album is the wake-up call that you don’t want and our recommended cure is to immediately place the A1 right back on the turntable.

“It Rains Here” is a striking piece meant to be taken in as a whole and is a phenomenal debut album for Yadava. Combining sampling prowess with his own deft instrumentation, the Manchester native is able to draw from an abundance of influences, specifically within the jazz realm. The LP is a strong statement and is hopefully indicative of things to come both for Yadava and for Church. This one comes highly recommended and you can pre-order your copy direct from the label’s Bandcamp.

https://youtu.be/BBfttkQuj_4

Igor