Zansho

Next in our in-frequent series of mixtapes is ichiro_, one Japans' top-notch beat makers. We have been working with the Nerima-based producer for remixes on ‘Error Code’ by AEED and DZA’s sold-out cassette. He just released the debut album 'Unconsidered_' with Japanese Oilworks and published a digital EP 'Noon' earlier in June 2011. What is true for ichiro_’s original productions can be found with ‘Zansho’ as well. He squeezes 23 tracks into 60 tight minutes, songs strongly enlaced and re-edited with reverb, delay, and compression. What we get to hear is one hour of high energy beats, a mesmerizing flow of instrumental Hip Hop and electronic music, with hints of UK Bass and Japanese Rap. ichiro_ balances abrasive beats with highly textured pads; his influence from Ambient and Tape music is obvious. Despite all the heavyness ichiro_ manages to surprise with elegant and fresh sounds every once a while, making 'Zansho' a proper must-listen. Tracklist: 01. ichiro_ - Kusamushiri 02. Actress - Supreme Cunnilingus 03. Hubert Daviz - Falling 04. Moa Pillar - Water Lily 05. Samiyam - Where Am I 06. DZA - Softgram (ichiro_ Katte Re-edit) 07. Circle vs Square - Eraser 08. Shlohmo - Things I Lost 09. Circle vs Square - Random Drums 10. Downliners Sekt - Negative Green 11. James Blake - Give a Man a Rod 12. ichiro_ - el duke 13. fad.art.dis - Wars Left Behind 14. JOOB - Battleship 15. Oliveoil - Kamase 16. Fitz Ambro$e - Bo$$Yaght 17. Dibiase - Abstract 18. Ramb Camp - Wait So Long (Repeat Pattern Remix) 19. Circle vs Square - Can't Sleep 20. Filthy Ingredients - Silk Eyelashes 21. Neith - Azul 22. Bluezr - Defensive Position 23. Braccory - Kiss and Tell