Review Summary: A melodious bridge
With Inji, LA Priest has created a genre-mesh of electronic euphoria. Aside from a constant inclination to dance, the album is expertly unified by a strong sense of melody. Even the album’s more experimental cuts (like the epic “Gene Washes With New Arm”) devote themselves to an ease of listening rarely found among Priest’s peers. In fact, that is precisely where Priest establishes himself as unique and enjoyable: he marries the melodious with the experimental. As such, he handily bridges the gap between rock-oriented dance music (i.e. LCD Soundsystem, Holy Ghost!) and the vast realm of electronic experimental music, making him a perfect entry point into the more complex and an enjoyable break from it.
The album opener “Occasion” sets the tone for the project. The first sound you hear is a bass guitar — symbolic of the rock roots behind the album. From there, it unravels; the synths and the first vocals layer in under a perfect driving beat. Priest’s singing is impressively strong and pleasant, providing more context to the album’s already consistent theme. That overall consistency is a strong suit, the album feels like a cohesive whole. Sounds recur but always in new and interesting ways.
The album at large can be defined by its two highlights: “Oino” and the emotional eight-and-a-half minute centerpiece “Party Zute / Learning to Love”. Both are bonafide jams, with groovy percussion and squelching bass. The guitars on “Oino” provide melodious contrast to the rippling synths all around them. Priest’s repetitive but interesting lyrics drive the overall motion of the track. This is immediately followed up by the album’s mentioned core. The double-track “Party Zute / Learning to Love” is a masterpiece and encapsulates the appeal of all of LA Priest’s work. With his music, you can dance, think, and, above all, enjoy yourself. The track starts with smooth keys and a wispy falsetto and expertly transitions into a bass-laden club banger. The song defines the album.
LA Priest’s biggest talent is his ear for melody. As mentioned, it unifies the album with constant and ever-changing pleasantries. So, Inji proves itself a unique record, one to be loved by anyone and everyone.
