mali-i: in session
Francisco Espregueira
Also known as Z Lovecraft, one of the main minds behind the one and only Rhythm Section imprint and keyboardist for Monzanto Sound, Mali-I presents his debut album via None More Records. In Session draws on his deep love of UK dub and contemporary London breezes, result of many years of exposure to the city’s diverse musical landscape - infusing influences from house and techno. It’s also the result of three years of work, recuperating old drafts and creating new compositions that tune the bass for hi-fi and bass bins alike.
In Session draws on a wide range of reggae and dub influences, incorporating a cast of killer guest vocalists and instrumentalists such as Natty Wylah, Ms. Ray, J Caesar and Lincoln Barrett. There’s also darker and harder instrumental dub material aimed at sound systems, contemporary takes on these classic sounds and touches of the current London rap and r&b scene. The 9 tracks that compose the album flow easily, result of an organic and unpressured creative mindstate, taking in the context that surrounds Mali-I’s existence. We are In Session, nodding our heads rhythmically to the loud sound that comes towards us. Available on vinyl, courtesy of None More Records.
“Guided by my obsession with authentic dub reggae, the album was mixed live into 2-tracks, yet I utilised experimental sound design techniques and non-linear editing tricks to give reggae a fresh sound that’s both DIY and cutting edge.”