After getting to know them through their remarkable single “Focus” featuring Myra Monoka, the Hungarians Belau relaunches with his new album “Apriori,” a collection of fine pieces, a modern, deep, fresh electronica that recalls so many elements of the sound that lives between trip hop and the most varied electronics. One could call this sound downtempo or chillout, but these labels are not enough, because there is much more to this work.
First and foremost, a sumptuous and very faithful production presents us with a sound that seeps into both the heart and the brain ,and the aim is to caress and treat the listener as best as possible, lulling him or her with sounds that are gentle and not invasive at all. The formula is to draw inspiration from nature, especially from the immensity of the sea and to make all this universe into music, and “Apriori” is a vital rhythm that becomes music and comes to us with its sweetness, gentle bass and a sound that makes us feel good, soothes our nerves and makes us feel more in tune with our surroundings, with which we should have a relationship and not a clash.
The record is a triumph of electronic sound derived from the most melodic trip hop, with a great chill and dreamy influence, with Belau composing an incedible sound carpet where female vocals come in and blend to perfection, and a magic as old as the world, that of music that brings well-being, ensues.
The pieces have many guests, basically the formula is to collaborate with a female vocalist on almost every track, each performer brings something different and important, always relevant to Belau’s sound, and they fit in beautifully, and they are all remarkable singers. Dreaming is an important component of this record, which also contains a lot of hope and search for joy for everyone. Belau is one of the very few examples of an electronic group that uses the elements of electronics to give positive and hopeful messages, aided by these wonderful female voices.
There are reminiscences in the record of when trip hop in its most melodic form was something that could take people far, and this modern version with lots of chillout and downtempo is something remarkable to listen to while enjoying every vibe, every bass that warms and embraces us, a place to feel good.
