Bringing to life uncompleted work
Life happens fast. Sometimes people get too wrapped up in business, and other entities that people love to indulge in get lost. Yet, once one finds their way back to them, people see there is still magic in what they once had. That is how London-based DJ/producer Big Dope P created his debut album, Mehlish. After starting the MOVELTRAX, he has been nonstop working on music for their artists, touring and running the label that his own music had been sitting uncompleted. The 2020 lockdown, however, was the driving force that allowed him to sit down with the tracks he had started. Three weeks later, Mehlish (meaning “it’s okay/ don’t worry” in Arabic) was created.
The title track kicks off the album. It has this sparkling intro that feels like transportation into a new world. It’s very synth-heavy, with the drums subtle enough to give the production some weight. “Jump Out” is a fun track that allows for that bass to truly take over. Providing vocals is TT the Artist. Her vocals match the high intense production; it’s as if her voice is bouncing along with the bass in perfect harmony.
“After All We’ve Been Through” sounds straight from the ‘80s. Its synth-pop vibe is fun, almost like people are in the middle of a video. “Pandora” features vocals from Ana Khan. They truly steal the show, mesmerizing listeners into every word she says. The production aids in that feeling with hypnotic breakdowns and delay on the vocals to echo the words just a little longer. “Throw” transports people back to that video game feel, particularly the last lap in Mario Kart. Think Coconut Mall, but if it was a nightclub after hours. It’s fun and is one that requires a lot of energy.
“Shit ‘bout to get ugly,” is the leading line in the track “Ugly,” with Mighty Mark. It’s fast and does well to continuously keep building up from the moment before. There isn’t one sole thing that stands out. All the different synth patterns, sounds and drums all work as one. It feels like a giant machine, where all the parts are in constant motion. As long as the words “Shit ‘bout to get ugly” are being said, it’s going to keep moving forward. Closing it out is “Demi Lune” with Karlito. Karlito’s voice booms with confidence, and the drums come forward instead of hiding. It encapsulates the album and makes it come full circle. “Mehlish” sounded like it was entering a new territory, unsure of what was to come. “Demi Lune” is a firm stance that this is exactly what is to happen.
“Whatever life is gonna throw at you, keep things in perspective, don’t dramatise, find solutions.” According to Big Dope P, this is what Mehlish, the album and the phrase, embodies. As a motto, it does represent his life well. It’s been a wild journey for him since the start of his career, and this debut album does a great job at allowing listeners to see him at his most happy.
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