These 6 new tracks from Tokyo-based artist Niikkolahs are a cool combination of electronic and organic instrumentation. Percussive pieces that put tribal hand drums and plucked strings, with muted, melodic repeated synth refrains. The vibe is very Jon Hassell’s fourth world. 

The press release cites Mark Ernestus’ Ndagga, and I can totally hear that. The blend of griots and dubwise. The ceremonial, ritual rhythms sometimes race, but the feel is entirely chilled. Similar say to Bob Holroyd’s African Drug. Or Bango’s Ritual Beating System. Whispered male vocals, hushed human harmonies, way down in the mix, create a kinda post-punk undercurrent, and Between Fields adds bubbling upright bass. A bit like someone if plugged-in ECM, Stephan Micus, or Codona. Or if Henri Texier landed on Planet E. 

The compositions are constructed from interlocking, busy, loops, and you can spot the joins, but that somehow enhances their hypnotic nature. Power Lines strips away the programmed percolating to leave bleeping, twinkling, treated birdsong and bottom end boom. Directed Intent has a click track like finger snaps, Nyabinghi bongo rattle, echoed woodwind whistle and the swing of jazz, deep in an amazonian rainforest. 

Niikkolahs’ True Science can be ordered directly from Diskotopia.