werkha: all werk is play
Francisco Espregueira
Dropping tomorrow, All Werk Is Play is the (long-awaited) new album from the creative genius of Tom Leah, a.k.a. Werkha. Coming from the critically acclaimed EP The Rigour, this is Werkha's second LP (after 2015's Colors Of A Red Brick Raft), which presents us a work that is extremely musically diverse and deliciously vibrant. Comprising 14 tracks, All Werk Is Play brings a predominantly fast-paced beat, mixing analogue jazz-funk textures with electronic music, reflecting a dancefloor orientation consistent with the British producer's previous releases.
All Werk Is Play completes a creative cycle in Werkha's sonic explorations. With clear references to broken beat and breakbeat, to British funk and house music, the album ends up not fitting into any of these genres. Self-taught, deep and instinctive, Werkha hovers in a musical territory he has defined — incorporating rhythms from around the world in an authentic ‘mix’ of live instruments, synthesizers and intricate percussion patterns. The first singles of this project brought us an exciting collaboration with the Portuguese singer Moreya, in “Eterno Retorno”, but All Werk Is Play is, on the whole, an original and exciting record, created based on a philosophy of positivity. And that is evident. Released by First Word Records, All Werk Is Play will be available on vinyl.