Clean your ears people, and prepare those tiny hairs for the arrival of one of the most exciting producers this side of the universe. As we were just about to wrap up 2009, New Zealand-born Julien Dyne lands firming in our hemisphere with a super debut.

An instant Beatnik recommendation, Pins & Digits comes slicker than a silver-wearing, pimp juice-drinking, space-travelling warrior. And if you think that comparison makes any sense then you might understand something behind this beautifully crafted creation. A hybrid of Jazz, Hip Hop and futuristic funk, the album follows on as a full course banquet to the appetite teaser Phantom Limbo EP (2007.)

Multi-talented Dyne’s is a major percussion devotee and for shizzle it shows. The release plays like a 12 inch from a bygone era, strolling through world beats to hypnotic distorted soul and funk. Actually it’s when Dyne delves into the latter that I find him most cool, exploring melodic grooves and breaks that really put you in the mood to chill.

His partnership with vocalist Mara TK (Electric Wire Hustle) is super appealing while his production in parts finds familiarity in Flying Lotus and J-Dilla, best seen on winning track ‘Stained Glass Fresh Frozen’ and our stamp of approval ‘Fallin Down.’ ‘Deaky’ on the other hand reeks a humming aroma fans of Dam-Funk will happily enjoy.
In fact, for all you afraid to try something new, if ‘Fallin’ Down’ doesn’t tug an inner emotion you thought you never had, I’ll gladly come round and pull it for you.

But for all these comparisons Julien Dyne is still uniquely different and then some. Something we really appreciate here at Beatnik. Originality without the theatrics.

Words Ali Raymond
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