I’m a real sucker for any records that are themed somewhere in the vicinity of space/cosmos area of things. So, naturally, I just straight up check anything that seems at least decent in that zone. I had virtually no expectations when diving into Nala Sinephro’s Space 1.8, with the exception of thinking that I will meet a familiar sound. By the time I was around the dozenth listen or so, I didn’t even realize the entire day basically swept by. It’s rare that a record has such a meditative/hypnotic effect on me. At the same time, I was also dazzled by so many things that I found on the album. It took me quite some time to unearth all the subtleties of this aural journey. Less because it’s that complicated, because it just isn’t, but more because it’s so charming, so enthralling, that it practically whisks you to somewhere far, far away.
While Space 1.8 is so utterly relaxing and soothing, it has plenty of nuance and action to go around, so one will fare very well with an active listen of it as well. I think that part of the magic of the record, besides its sensational ability to sculpt airy and shimmering moods, is its rather novel take on the nu-jazz idea. Nala Sinephro blends a very intimate and expressive kind of jazz with otherworldly electronics and a wildly colorful and radiant palette of other sounds. For whatever reason I’m reminded of Resavoir’s self-titled record, in terms of subtle detailing, demeanor, and delivery. Obviously, it’s an entirely different affair, but I feel like the comparison may give you something palpable to latch on to, if you’re familiar with Resavoir.
The ultimate binding agent in this whole deal is the crazy good production value. It really gives everything the finesse and breadth that is required. The ideas presented here definitely don’t seem to adhere to the need of having the entire record split into tracks, yet they are. I’m not going to fault it for that as the modern requirements of “packaging” sometimes will push artists for this kind of presentation. Although, I would find it hard to believe that the record wasn’t conceived as one single megalithic piece. Its streamlined flow and smooth progression is the only needed pointer for that.
As I think it stems from all of the above, Space 1.8 is incredibly immersive and you could just put it on repeat for hours on end, especially when you’re still trying to delve into its layers. The way all the layers are melded together indicate a highly elegant approach which revels in attention to detail and a holistic vision which was very clearly defined beforehand.
I obviously wholeheartedly recommend checking Space 1.8 out as it’s a stellar piece of work, which shows all the marks of an excellent musician. While I’d like to delve deep into all the shades of this record, I really do not have the space or the medium to do so appropriately for what it is. I think it’s best for each of you to have a go at it and bask in its celestial glory.
