One Self

Born from six years touring as the Russian Percussion Orchestra, One Self is the collaboration between DJ Vadim, Blu Rum 13 from Kid Koala’s Bullfrog and the diminutive Yarah Bravo. This experimental hip-hop sounds gorgeous combining a producer with an extensive résumé, a male lead rivalling Mos Def and J-Live for technique and wordplay and a female counterpart with the silkiest vocals and slickest rhymes since Lauryn Hill. Their sound falls in a middle ground between the Roots, Nightmares On Wax and Thievery Corporation, fusing mellow late-night jazz with ethnic beats. Predominantly slower sunset tunes like hit single "Bluebird” are interspersed with occasional moments of up-tempo funk such as "Paranoid.” Everything grooves from the beat, the warm, deep bass and the interaction between Bravo and Blu Rum 13. This project is undoubtedly the best work from any of its members and is a completely absorbing listen.