The Brighton-based producer’s debut EP, ‘Exertion’ provides a glimpse at the rich plethora of sound he has to offer. Having just released the project’s lead single, ‘Fruit Juice’ featuring vocals from London’s rising neo-soul artist BINA., the young producer is already gaining traction with his soul-filled, electronica. With an array of features by artists from all over, Changing Currents keeps his sound ever-evolving throughout and allows his instrumentals to bring the best out of everyone involved.
Opening with ‘Slide’, featuring South Africa’s Chris Snakes, the track holds simplistic, Hip-Hop percussion smothered with live keys and bass before bringing his drums to the forefront over distorted vocals. Chris Snake provides an easy-going flow, perfectly edging us into the project, keeping a poetic touch to his lyricism.
Moving into the first single of the EP ‘Fruit Juice’, Changing Currents allows BINA.’s distinct vocal tone take your attention whilst he surrounds her voice with soaring synths and afro-beat-infused percussion making for an optimistic, laid-back instrumental holding an abundance of texture. Bringing a moodier vibe for ‘Mixed Signals’, the track revolves around a dark, distorted-industrial sound before bringing in heavy trap-percussion, completely flipping the energy.
Heading into ‘Exertion’ the EP’s title track, an incredible amount of soul is put into the distortion of the sampled vocals, almost adding in themselves to the percussion of the track. If there’s one thing you can count on in this release, it’s Changing Currents ability to turn something potentially simple into a minefield of genre-defying sound.
Keeping the energy levels high, West-London’s Bawo is enlisted for ‘Advantage Love’ with his mellow and melodic, verse and vocals. The instrumental takes on a hollow, snare-led beat layered with sega-esque synths and Bawo’s calming harmonies.
Moving into the final track of the EP ‘Glassware’, the instrumental hosts Nelson Dialect’s old-school flow and imaginative lyrics over the nostalgic production. ‘Exertion’ proves where Changing Currents can take his sound and the atmospheres he can create within his wide-reaching style.
