Dynamic yet static, restrained and dynamic at the same time - Mesani [Jungle EP + Singles]

/ Bluc (music critic)

What kind of music is good music? When I write about music, I get blocked primarily in the most essential part, and I have a secondary concern about how to express it so that people will listen to it more. So, when I first introduced this EP to the media, I compared it to 'Apple commercial music'. Most of the music that Apple uses in its product advertisements is dynamic and clean, and without too many sound arrangements, the brakes of brass sounds or electronic music are literally 'plugged in', and I will introduce it today, referring to the music characteristics. It was mentioned that Mesani's music also has that aspect. It has already been a long time since hip-hop, R&B and electronic music have been exquisitely mixed, and there are definitely fans who like such resolution music. Some people already like Mesani, a musician, but I hope this soulful yet sophisticated music reaches more people.

This Vinyl contains Mesani's EP album [Jungle], and three singles released before and after that. First of all, if you explain the EP on the first page, it still gives a sophisticated impression reminiscent of British soul, even though it was then. The work is a composition unique to British Soul, that is, the soulful vocals are wonderfully centered, and the way the song is composed is not simply a flashy and epic composition, but a detailed aspect and appropriate level control. It feels strong. Of course, I don't know if it's the artist's intention or not, but Messani is very solid in that area. Singing well and writing well is a natural premise for making a good album, but it is not an easy condition to have. The collaboration with people who have good skills while matching the texture, such as no2zcat, Sutt, and offthecuff, is also impressive. Mesani later worked on albums for default, a producer duo project between no2zcat and Sutt. The EP, which consists of six songs, pushes out
consistent energy without a break, showing a high degree of immersion so that listeners can listen to all songs at once. Overall, the length of the song is short, so it rather draws more concentration. After “Jungle”, which delivers your message at a fast tempo, “Earthquake”, “Flame”, and “Lungs”, while using the hook as a break, you can talk about what you want to say. Maintain an appropriate balance with expression. The following “Zoo” and the last song “Gehenna” seem to imply in many ways that this is not the end as they strongly express their identity rather than being the outro of the album.

The three singles featured on side B are in reverse order, from the most recent “Me and myself” to “Liquor” and “With me”. “Me and myself” is much more soulful than the atmosphere contained in the album, rather reminiscent of jazz fusion or neo soul. In a more concise composition, Messani reveals her capabilities as a vocalist much more densely, and it is impressive that the technical aspects, from the charm of the tone itself to the details presented as a vocalist, are used in the right place to reveal her vibe. The following “Liquor” and “With me” are songs that were strongly influenced by jazz, and although they do not emphasize the dynamic part more than the previous single, the way the song is composed and the expression centered on jazz is still impressive. The song “With me” from 2019, which was written entirely alone, seems to give a pleasant shock to those who listened to the previous EP impressively. It's just one song, but it feels like a peek at the work that is the mo
st background for Mesani's music, which is clean and heavily influenced by the past, soulful and alternative.

Above all, the best part is that all of this is not just a level of imitation or reproduction. There is an evocative music, but that doesn't explain this music. Although the work was described by comparing it to British soul, it is difficult to see that word as the main keyword to describe this album. Maybe keywords like alternative and future soul fit well. He is a musician who deserves more attention, from the recent musical trends to the foundation based on a high understanding of the past. In that respect, those who purchased this LP have gained more than its current value in that they obtained this work, which is supposed to be a good archive, although it is probably a good work.

Produced by Mesani, no2zcat, Sutt
Co-produced by offthecuff

Instruments Performed by Mesani, offthecuff, no2zcat, Sutt, Jiseob Kim, Hyeonjae Park

Mixed by Sutt

Vinyl Mastered by Jaesoo Yi (Sonority Mastering)

Photo by Benjamin Raffetseder
Cover Edited by Mesani
Mesani Font Graphic by Surin Park
Design by YP

Special Thanks to Jazzcanon, Jesus Olivas Jr., Will Not Fear, Jeong Hyunjeong, Na Jihoon, Lee Boyoung

[LP specification]

* 500 copies limited production, Chinese pressing
* 180g single cover
* Vinyl Mastering Lee Jae-soo (Sonority Mastering)