As we get older, some of us can’t imagine what makes a merry-go-round a kid’s summer delight. Don’t get me wrong, I am sure I ran after that best looking horse too only to move in circles after my conquest. I can’t understand where that feeling came from. But I guess as long as it got a smile on my face or occupied me from screaming for just a bit, that should be good enough. I guess my parents really didn’t need to try to understand it. It just worked.
Now, I am not suggesting that Vanilla’s new record is repetitive, cyclical, or without linear direction like that carousel. But it does conjure up some of those same feelings like riding that bobbing unicorn. Hugo Harrison, aka Vanilla, seems as mysterious as that mythical creature wielding chillhop, soulful downbeat, and atmospheric vibes into his creations. This UK artist truly does seem to have a knack at production and he doesn’t seem afraid to stretch the boundaries of any genre at any time. I mean, who the hell really could have anticipated how infectious sampling the Doobie Brothers’ Michael McDonald would be on Vanilla’s 2017 release Moonlight? Bravo!
He describes this record as, “Time Goes By Pt. I is the first instalment of a new double album concept featuring a fusion of rare and iconic samples and original production.” (Bandcamp) And, it will surely go down as one of those rides to stand the test of time. Vanilla sticks to the model of his previous recordings that we have all come to expect and appreciate. It’s 20 tracks provide a wide range of experimentation, like the “blue” melody found on Ao with what sounds like a Japanese lyrical sample. Or, Star that rolls a solid beat line across playful keys and tones. And this is just the tip of the iceberg of what this record holds.
This record might bring back those memories of childhood amusement parks. Fortunately for us, the sounds on this recording are world’s apart from that looped circus music. But just like that merry-go-round, we don’t really need to try to understand it either because it just works at putting a smile on your face.
Track Listing:
1. Time Goes By (Intro) 01:02
2. Heart Beat 04:22
3. Soul 03:41
4. Anything 02:42
5. Inside 03:54
6. Lullabye (Interlude) 00:41
7. Say It Again 04:22
8. Ao 03:44
9. Satisfy 03:59
10. Fire 03:50
11. Presence (Interlude) 00:39
12. Star 03:35
13. Cool 04:09
14. If Only 04:05
15. All Night 05:14
16. Haiku (Interlude) 01:19
17. Your Love 04:05
18. Coffee 04:19
19. So In Love 04:20
20. Keep Runnin’ 04:58
Buy here.
