The man known as Mocky (government name Dominic Solale) digs deep into a melodious jazz vibe for his latest effort, and comes up cool. The Lumsden, Saskatchewan native and Los Angeles-based polymath recorded the project in four countries, which lend a cosmopolitan air to the proceedings. Mostly, the album is about taking things back — the retro piano-flute feel of "When Paulie Gets Mad," the '70s dream soul feel of "Head in the Clouds," the funk of "Tomorrow Maker" — while bringing along names like Milosh and Kelela to help out on the backing group vocals.
Particular standouts include the vibrant "Living in the Snow" and melancholic "Hymne (For Murka)." The acoustically driven Key Change is further proof Mocky can harness any sound to serve his musical purpose: this time out, he's spirited, psychedelic and freewheeling. While his last album was over five years ago, Mocky's been active on the producing and collaboration front, and on Key Change, that's evident. While the art of hip-hop sampling isn't as widespread as it once was, this project nonetheless feels ripe for some cool mock-ups in the near future.
(Heavy Sheet)Particular standouts include the vibrant "Living in the Snow" and melancholic "Hymne (For Murka)." The acoustically driven Key Change is further proof Mocky can harness any sound to serve his musical purpose: this time out, he's spirited, psychedelic and freewheeling. While his last album was over five years ago, Mocky's been active on the producing and collaboration front, and on Key Change, that's evident. While the art of hip-hop sampling isn't as widespread as it once was, this project nonetheless feels ripe for some cool mock-ups in the near future.