glenn echo & daniel meinecke: what happened to yesterday vol. 2
Francisco Espregueira
Following the success of Partly Cloudy (2021) and What Happened to Yesterday Vol. 1 (2023), the mighty duo composed by Glenn Echo & Daniel Meinecke is back to the MotorCity Wine Recordings imprint to delive a hattrick with What Happened to Yesterday Vol. 2. This third installment sees the pair continuing to blend their favorite elements from their previous works, perfectly synthesizing heady, dubby atmospheres with cosmic dance flavors while defying genre conventions.
The opening track, "World In My Head," sets the tone with a poignant question: "Why should I repeat myself?" This statement encapsulates their innovative approach as they push musical boundaries and explore new sonic territories. The A-side of "Vol. 2" offers a robust collection of downtempo tracks, each with its unique flair. Highlights include the psychedelic hip-hop track "Explanation of The Funk," featuring sultry trumpet lines from Dre King and deft cuts by DJ Stylus, and the GoGo-Afrobeat fusion "Three-Season Crank," showcasing Raja Kassis's brilliant guitar work. These tracks demonstrate the duo's ability to merge diverse influences into a cohesive and engaging listening experience, maintaining a balance between experimental sounds and accessible rhythms.
On the flip side, "Off The Rails" kicks things off with a dance-floor-ready vibe before the album transitions into a more dubby and meditative mood. The journey culminates in the blissful "Black Bird Dub," providing a perfect comedown after the earlier intensity. Glenn Echo's multi-influenced production remains as inspired as ever, while Daniel Meinecke solidifies his reputation as a seminal keyboard player in the scene. Drawing from 70's weed jazz, early 80's dancehall, 90's downtempo, and rippin' jazz fusion, What Happened to Yesterday Vol. 2 rounds out the series in a singular, distinctive style that underscores the duo's innovative spirit and musical prowess. Available on vinyl, courtesy of MotorCity Wine Recordings.