ZAK ABEL, one of BBC Radio 1's "Hot for 2015" entrants, is just 19 years old, but has already collaborated with GORGON CITY and WOOKIE, and is about to drop an EP of tracks he's made with Bristol producer, JOKER.
If that doesn't make you feel inadequate, then just have a listen to the first track, Alchemy. Showcasing a voice so soulful, mature and rich it couldn't possibly belong to a teenager yet somehow it does, Alchemy is a powerful jam bringing future soul and Bristol two-step together, in the best way possible!
JOKER is a match made in heaven for ABEL, with his UK garage beats and brooding bass-line juxtaposed with ABEL's rich and textured vocals. The pair clearly have a lot of chemistry, the cohesiveness of the track proving both artists as indispensable as each other.
Starting off with a thumping beat and stuttered keys, the garage beats come in with some extra fuzzy feedback for good measure. Abel's vocals come in, gentle and calm in the verse, slowly building in passion along the bridge. The chorus is outstanding, as Abel takes on even more intensity over JOKER's infectious beats. By working with the dynamic nature of Zak's voice, JOKER is able add and take away layers from the track, keeping it interesting and unpredictable - even throwing in some subtle trumpet sounds for good measure!
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
This is the first track off the pair's collaborative EP, Joker Presents: Zak Abel. If this is anything to go by, this duo could prove almost dangerous with the calibre now expected to come from the rest of the songs!
Words by Emma Jones.
SEE ALSO:
