okvsho: traphouse jazz
Francisco Espregueira
Like a summer night breeze, Traphouse Jazz plays softly in a room with dim lights. A brilliant 6-track EP produced by the Zurich-based brothers, Okvsho. It is a groovy blend of hip hop beats and modern jazz. The project takes its name from the studio where it was recorded, the Boyoom Connective Traphouse. In this hut, in the middle of the city of Zurich, Okvsho developed their sound between tram noise and demonstrations in the epicentre of the city's music scene.
The first track sets the rules: the hip hop beat mixed with soulful soundwaves, enriched by jazzy elements. Everything is in balance, with the purest's of groove and chilled feelings. "Cariño", featuring a beautiful voice from Sreya, comes with mesmerizing portuguese words. Time stops. Just to start ticking again as the jazzy experiments of Okvsho have their peak in tracks as "Jazz Jam #3", "River Limmat" and "Lanhaya". Before the end, dylan.negative & Asé contribute to the emotional moment that is "Long Walks". In a low lighted room, somewhere.
We praise Traphouse Jazz for being a project that brings to the same table some of the best things we've been showcasing here. There's a bold approach to jazz waves coming from London, never leaving the Dilla'esque hip hop influence of previous Okvsho's works.
Released by Boyoom Connective, Okvsho's Traphouse Jazz is one of the best underground releases of the year so far.