A Strong Cup of Bounce

A broad diversity of percussive instrumentation threads through a catalog of shuffles, slides and cadences in DJ Slouch’s “Black Coffee.” The drums have kick like a strong fresh brew, but veer away from aggressiveness. One bar rarely progresses without a new element being introduced to the mix. But order is kept among the throng of sounds. Drums are allowed their shine, but they play the background when the melody or vocals deserve the limelight. The track consists of an almost entirely organic sound palette, save an amelodic crunchy bass. It is a work divorced from a dependence on novel noises. Instead, it is sustained by the height of its bounce. The sounds pay homage to Sarah Vaughan’s era, but introduce her lyrics to a new century of expectations.

Also, listen to Slouch’s “Mirage,” exclusively on The Downbeat Treaty.