In an Arte documentary, producer Agajon celebrates his non-German sound. Three years after the breakthrough EP, his debut album NAG CHAMPA actually proves how American he can roll the Parliament synthesizer over soulful productions. Named after incense sticks, the tape is a mood manifesto, a nod to the West Coast sun, to Anderson. Paak or Kaytranada.
But no matter how tastefully he uses his references, couldn’t you just listen to the originals? And the answer is: yes. NAG CHAMPA is something of a very tasteful stream of lo-fi beats, blaring through the background as competently as it is harmlessly. Fortunately, there are a few highlights that require active listening. The super-atmospheric banger “Trust Yourself” combines gospel samples with snippets of vocoder and driving bass.
Or the awesome R’n’B parts by rapper Layla, who can be heard in English. These moments show a talent for craftsmanship that goes far beyond chill-out playlists in songwriting and mood. Agajon can do it, the hero worship, which is atmospheric and varied enough that you can actually call it a competitor’s product instead of an imitation. And you don’t see that every day in Germany.
Author: Yannik Goelz
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