Reviews
Onra
There’s a lot to be said for the French touch; that sweet sonic finesse which, like a full-bodied red wine or extra splash of cream in your coffee, makes for a far more satisfactory experience.
Parisian producer Onra works this kind of magic on ‘Long Distance’, his third album, which is a sultry homage to boogie, funk, and hip hop. The beats squelch beautifully, the basslines bump sexily, and the Gallic sheen pulses through the deftly compressed and expertly selected sounds.
At some points you may forget the record was made this year, such is the quality of its retro credentials. Onra’s attention to detail is second to none and you’re transported right back into an 80s funkosphere, which sits comfortably in the seam Hudson Mohawke and Dam Funk have so successfully mined.
There’s a healthy mix of beat workouts and fully-fledged songs on the album. Onra enlists the services of vocalist Oliver Daysoul, who’s also recorded with Mohawke, on ‘Long Distance’, which is probably one of the best vocal cuts on the album. Look out also for ‘High Hopes’ with Reggie B and the very Mohawke-esque ‘To the beat’, featuring Walter Mecca, which makes you wish you were rolling down the boulevard in a low-slung whip with hydraulic brake action.
For the beats crew, look out for ‘Moving’ and ‘Jeeps’ for some hot-buttered head-nod action.
Summer’s arrived, and here’s your soundtrack.
Words: Helene Dancer
‘Long Distance’ is out in early June on All City
