Nicholas Chugg
This EP was sent to a group chat I share with a friend of mine, I read the description for the EP and was instantly interested by the Jazz + Soul fusion, so I gave it a listen.
I didn't know how much I would enjoy this album going into it, but from the first thirty seconds I knew it was something special.
The talent on show here from all involved is exceptional.
I cannot wait to hear more.
Favorite track: Deep End.
New Zealand musician Arjuna Oakes's debut EP, The Watcher, is a showcase of his ability as a singer-songwriter, instrumentalist and producer, and a testament to his depth of engagement with music. The first two tracks on the EP fit neatly within the jazz-infused soul music landscape he is quickly becoming part of, but the latter half of the EP is far harder to categorize. Featuring instrumentation from some of New Zealand’s most exciting young jazz musicians, The Watcher explores a wide variety of themes and musical ideas, with Arjuna’s charismatic soul vocals and robust sonic palette serving as a connective thread. From big social issues to personal relationships and internal self-discoveries, across The Watcher, Arjuna takes his cue from the title track, an exploration of mass surveillance, and it’s relevance within our everyday lives. This watcher theme continues throughout the rest of the EP, with the stories told rendered as if being observed by an outside force. Decorated by cinematic soundscapes, hypnotic grooves, creative improvisation and catchy melodies, Arjuna's debut is a test palette for his future projects, one that makes his enthusiasm to develop and explore themes and style in song abundantly clear.
- Martyn Pepperell
credits
released December 4, 2019
Produced by Arjuna Oakes
Mixed by Jim Macrae (Opaudio UK) and Paddy Hill
Mastered by Kelly Hibbert (AlmaChrome LA)
Audio Engineered by Morgan Allen, Paddy Hill and Arjuna Oakes
Distributed/Marketing by Rain&Shine Records, Jeremy Morris and Henry Milne
Cover Art by Sarah Willis
Vinyl Design by Charlotte McCrae
Musicians:
Arjuna Oakes - Vocals, Keyboards, Synths, Percussion
Rhohil Kishore - Drums
Zane Hawkins - Electric Bass
Jimmy Olsen - Upright Bass
Loxmyn Mcdonald-Ness - Saxophone
James MacEwan - Trumpet
Callum Mower - Guitar
Michael Gianan - Guitar
Special thanks to Max Gunn, Gene Rivers, Bobby Kennedy, Martyn William Pepperell, Rosie Spearing, Sarah Willis, Joshua Parker, William Elliott, Andrew Stevens, Merrilee de Simas, David Oakes, Ian Oakes, Lynne Silva, for input and additional support.