Dead Horse Beats has delivered a new full-length album entitled Inglaterra. The Montreal-based producer and multi-instrumentalist A.K.A. Patrick Wade has put forth a new batch of songs via Bastard Jazz that features his signature spacey grooves and an increased focus on lyricism. Drawing stylistic inspiration from the legacy of soul music from the 1970s to today, DHB named the album after the Spanish word for England as a nod to the country’s culture and cloudy climate and the music follows suit.
In addition to offering a plethora of laid back, fuzzy beats on Inglaterra, DHB covers the majority of the vocals on the album. His vocal delivery is understated but soulful and with his vulnerable lyrics, it provides a fitting addition to his production aesthetic. Although he wrote and performed most of the material on the album, he invited guests to join some choice moments on the LP. The most notable guest is the singer and harpist Low Leaf who offers lyrics and vocals on the pulsing track, “One Brother.” Elsewhere, saxophonist Jarryd Torff and guitarist Jason Simpkin provide some extra flavors on the album’s dreamy opener while Gabriel White plays guitar on the previously released single “Home Days.” The only track not written by DHB is his swirling rendition of “Where Is My Other Half” from the legendary Brazilian musician Tim Maia. Dead Horse Beats’ skillful and undeniably tasteful production, combined with his increased emphasis on lyrics, make Inglaterra a fascinating and soothing album and another impressive entry into his catalogue.
Connect with Dead Horse Beats: Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Spotify