Rising Seed release their highly anticipated debut album, “True Lies.” Originally founded in 2020 by Austrian producer Lee Stevens, Rising Seed has blossomed into a dynamic collaboration, now a joint venture with Ken Hayakawa and a talented collective of guest musicians.
This isn’t your average electronic project. Rising Seed masterfully blends Acid Jazz, Trip Hop, and Disco, creating a unique sound that beautifully bridges the warmth of live instrumentation with the depth of electronic production. Their secret? A strong focus on recording and re-sampling real instruments, crafting an incredibly rich and organic sound. Imagine vintage samplers, classic drum machines, and analog textures all converging with hypnotic grooves and cinematic atmospheres. If you’re a fan of artists like Moby, Kruder & Dorfmeister, and Massive Attack, you’re in for a treat. “True Lies” unfolds like a meticulously layered collage, artfully blurring the lines between past and future, and truth and illusion.
The album kicks off with “Follow Me,” a perfect example of Rising Seed’s signature fusion. Sampled instruments and vocal snippets effortlessly blend with live flute and saxophone, all anchored by a funky drum break. Then there’s “Gone West,” an adventurous track that daringly marries a house groove with esoteric vocals, the mesmerizing sound of live sitar by Amrith Jan, and even a touch of harmonica. For a dose of gritty blues, “Like A Lion” delivers a dub-infused downbeat experience packed with crusty samples.
“Freedom” showcases a more minimalist side of Rising Seed, with a tight brush-drum arrangement and densely layered sitar melodies. Another album highlight is “Soldier of Peace,” featuring even more funky sitar and a subtle acid line that will transport you back to the early days of big beat. This flows seamlessly into the title track, “True Lies,” which elegantly distills the downbeat sound of the late ’90s while staying true to the unique Rising Seed formula.
As the album progresses, “Psych Jazz” lives up to its name, offering a somber, low-slung trip-hop feel that’s both psychedelic and jazzy. “Don’t Worry” is equally trippy but boasts a more upbeat vibe, carried by a soulful, moaning vocal sample that urges listeners to let go of their anxieties. Finally, “Stay with Me” brings the album to a captivating close with a jazz-infused atmosphere that’s both moody and uplifting. Its shuffling drum groove and elegant piano melodies provide a truly fitting conclusion to this remarkable debut.
The captivating cover artwork for “True Lies” was created by Michal Rafaj.
Ready to experience “True Lies” for yourself? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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