‘Off Days in London’ by Illa J and Ash Walker is a chill four-track alternative hip-hop EP with elements of funk, jazz and soul mixed in. The EP feels like it’s meant to introduce the listener to a sound that seems almost genre-less in a calm and almost relaxed way.
The album’s soundscape is predominantly synth and percussion-led with quiet piano moments interspersed to introduce and maintain a particular tone. Though the sound is predominantly lo-fi, the percussion and melodic rhythm guide the pacing of the EP in a steady and gradual way, leaving the listener with an experience that feels succinct and palatable.
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‘Off Days in London’: Track-by-Track
‘Off Days in London’-I: ‘Peace’ & ‘True’
‘Peace’ starts off the EP at a slow, trot-like pace, establishing a calm mood that rapidly builds but still moves at a relaxed pace. Its mood seems to set the pace from a state of inertia, moving at a pace that is languide and slow, warming the listener up for that gradual quickening of pace and energy. “…Don’t feel like moving, yeah, I’m so lazy…”.
The lyrics of this song seem to come from a headspace that feels at peace and content in more ways than one, while they seem to be sung as though swimming through molasses.
“…I’m in peace right now…
…I know that you are the one…”.
‘True’ begins to pick up the pace with a more prominent percussion that builds from its keyboard-led intro. Its lyrics sound aspirational, as they encourage whoever is listening (and in turn, themselves) to “…keep your head up, go far…be true to you…”. The song aims to encourage and inspire creative authenticity, willing a space for spontaneous creation that’s free of all the baggage that takes up space in the mind.
Intense, whirling synth melodies seem to get louder as the song progresses, while the last refrain insists on being as true and authentic to yourself as you can be:
“…You head for the stars,
Keep your head up, go far.
Be true to you….”.
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‘Off Days in London’-II: ‘What?!’ & ‘Vibe’
‘What?!’ is a fast-paced track that has prominent, groovy percussion. It holds in its lines a sense of challenge that seems driven by the encouragement from the lat song, ‘True’. Its meant to hype up both the rapper and the audience listening, challenging anyone who might have an axe to grind with them without directly doing so.
The groovy melodies and rap flow on this track highlight the EP’s use of interesting sample beats and melodies as well as the way the whole EP plays with pacing. The percussion is heavy, groovy and deep.
“…What we say…what what you say?
We say get the fuck out the way…”.
‘Vibe’ closes out the album by bringing down the pace of the album with its slower percussion and synths. Its tone seems reflective and grounded, while its lines highlight that strong sense of identity that the last three tracks have been building on and making apparent.
The refrain especially teases this sense of determination when it comes to what comes next:
“…I can make music that can make you high,…
….That can make you fly…
….Music that can make you cry.
Feel so good you can touch the sky, feel the genius inside…”.
This song is a declaration of who these artists are and a recognition that they only have a short time to show you what they’ve got.
“…Our currency is time…”.
‘Off Days in London’ by Illa J and Ash Walker feels like an introduction to our artists, while also serving as encouragement and entertainment for our listeners. Its a calming listen on a cloudy day.
The Artist(s)
Illa J is a music prodigy and former member of the iconic hip-hop group Slum Village from Detriot. He was heavily influenced by his father, a jazz bassist, and his mother a talented singer. He’s also known for being the younger brother of late hip-hop star J Dilla.
Follow Illa J on Instagram!
Ash Walker is a London-based multi-instrumentalist and DJ who makes music that spans a diverse range of genres. These include jazz, blues, soul, funk, reggae, dub, trip hop, acid jazz and electronica (among others).
Follow Ash Walker on Instagram!
Listen to ‘Off Days in London’ by Illa J & Ash Walker here:
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