Groovy nu-jazz with attitude
Dorian Concept’s third album, The Nature of Imitation, is where the Austrian producer finally finds his groove by incorporating jazz and instrumental hip-hop and puts out some of the year’s most danceable tracks. He succeeds in many more aspects than in his previous album Joined Ends. Instead of a “rough around the edges” album that could aptly describe his last work, The Nature of Imitation is anything but, showcasing what Dorian Concept is capable of.
Where this album succeeds is in its fluid integration of jazz with electronic music, while showcasing elements of other genres such as hip-hop. J Dilla would be proud of the production on “Angel Shark,” which incorporates almost seamlessly the chopped-up, playful style of production that established the late Detroit producer as one of the best to ever exist. The playfulness of the tracks juxtaposes well with the song’s frantic and overwhelming pace, making the track an interesting listen.
The best three examples of this nu-jazz integration are the consecutive “No Time Not Mine,” “Pedestrians” and “Self Similarity,” providing a one-two-three knockout blow of exciting, fun and rhythmic tracks that grip the listener with its fantastic grooves. While the first of the three tracks doesn’t necessarily go into full throttle right away, the distorted saxophones come in, along with the fantastic vocal samples, to make some toe-tapping music. “Pedestrians” picks up almost right away right where “No Time Not Mine” left off, and at a much faster pace, yet still able to carry on the groove from the previous track.
While the last of these three tracks is not a direct continuation of the previous two, “Pedestrians” may be the best out of the three; its lush and dreamy strings and pianos contrast with high-energy percussion reminiscent of DJ Shadow’s “Midnight In a Perfect World,” making for an attention-grabbing song that will stop anyone in their tracks.
While The Nature of Imitation may sound off at times, such as “Dishwater” and the grating saxophone that can turn off listeners from continuing further (especially after the wonderful three track combo that came before the song), Dorian Concept put out an eccentric, mischievous and fun album that is guaranteed to get people making their way to the dance floor.
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