Exmag- Proportions
Lowtemp: 2014
Exmag is a group based out of Brooklyn and shortly after signing to Gramatik’s Lowtemp record label late last year, they released their debut album Proportions for free online. The project captures all the elements of the neo-soul, jazz-hop, dance/house, and funk genres with a tasteful and approachable method of delivery.
Although they aren’t getting played on the radio with the rest of the popular rubbish, the group has definitely made a splash in the contemporary music scene, receiving high praise from a parade of jazz, electronic, hip hop, funk, soul, and fusion listeners all over the world. Some of the singles on this record possess the knack to top hip-hop and pop charts globally, but the mainstream recognition of the group is slow to come. However, I believe fame will have no trouble finding these talented musicians as their following continues to grow. They are cleverly executing a groove that has one mission: making the listener move. One would be hard pressed to make it through the album without tapping a toe or submitting to a rhythmic head nod.
The feel of this album is one of danceability and groove, and the listener is hit with that vibe instantly. The opening track on Proportions is entitled, “True love from the Future.” The song begins with a very open synth chord that rings out warmly while the guitar player sparsely plucks out a few chord tones. This interaction welcomes listeners with warm tones and an easy to follow 2/4 groove. This means the hardest hits are on beats two and four of each measure, which is a common occurrence in dance music. The song continues to build with more funky layers and effects through the climax of the song, where we hear the album’s first lyrics: “Am I hearing voices… or is this true love from the future?” This lyric speaks loudly, and captures the attention of listeners effectively. It is something for us to savor and digest as listeners.
Proportions is true love in the present. It’s blend of live and electronic instrumentation is flawless and adds to the project’s overall funkiness. The track “NuFunk Odyssey,” does this well. It begins with a blues guitar lick, backed by another chugging guitar riff that fades out and fades back in as a synthesized bassline. This subtle change, and others like it, build new layers onto the groove and keep the listeners interested for the full eight minutes. The group plays well at infusing different layer additions which is crucial when creating polyrhythms-- the spine of the groove’s body. The groove is fully embodied throughout the rest of the album. This is something we can rely on with this group. Listeners can count on Exmag to cradle them safely in the pocket. They will not let the groove die or get boring.
Within Proportions there are three hot singles, “Creep Steady Part 1,” “Juke,” and “Tilt Mode,” featuring Gibbz. These two songs accompany a handful of other tracks that spur certain groove ignition. “Proportions,” “Junk In That Thang,” “We Run Shit,” and “Persian Temptress,” are certain to have hips shaking and toes tapping if not to inspire a full on dance party. Their use of hard basslines, disco drums, synth, and repetition are all keys to filling the dance floor.
Exmag incorporates a lot of ideas from jazz, blues, and disco throughout Proportions which may explain the urge to dance while listening. The group’s ability to adopt and foster the elements of other musics into their own creation is unique and highly relatable to listeners of all types. Although they are not currently circulating in the mainstream or the “top 40” people who like music on that scene would still enjoy Exmag. It matters not where a band comes from when they groove like this. If “Tilt Mode” got a mainstream screening 14 year-old girls would most likely end up reciting the lyrics or singing along. Proportions’ frame of appeal is vast but shrouded by the underground music scene. One day soon they will shine above the surface for all to see.
http://www.mediafire.com/download/zfxpfa9zkd0as3f/Exmag+-+Proportions+%28Full+Album%29.zip
