This week I focus on one of the most underappreciated forms of music – instrumental. Most people hear the word ‘instrumental’ and think of elevator music. That’s like hearing the word ‘pizza’ and thinking Papa Johns is its ambassador. When done right, instrumental music transcends its pigeonholed use as background filler and can fosters the listener’s creativity that, at times, is stunted by someone else’s lyrics. With instrumental music, we define the song’s meaning, rather than have it sung to us, and in essence, are part of the song’s creative process. Ok, ok, enough soapboxing. Let’s get to it.
Robot Orchestra is a German beat maker who crafts some of the most unique and mesmerizing hip-hop beats flavored with 60s soul. Robot Orchestra‘s sophomore album, Beat the Odds, is littered with sharp rhythms, classic melodies, and a consistently reserved flow. How music coming out of Germany can tap into a sound you would likely hear on a Brooklyn stoop is pretty mind-boggling but you can’t argue with the results. To be honest, there are a few vocals on Beat the Odds, but we’ll let him get away with it because they serve more as instruments than the songs’ centerpiece.
Best Tracks:
In Love
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Home is Where the Music Is
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When & Where:
Anytime you need to get the creative juices flowing, Robot Orchestra should be the inspiration. My one complaint is I catch myself doing some of the most pathetic freestyle rapping you’ve probably ever heard. At least it can’t be any worse than Souljah Boy.
Check Robot Orchestra out here
Or on Facebook
Download Beat the Odds for free or a donation here
December 18, 2012
adamkazansky
everythingwehear 