As I have said on previous occasions, the pleasant surprise is one of the reasons music blogging is enjoyable. Finding out about music that 80-90% of the masses have no clue about always makes things interesting. This is especially true when the music is good. Such a case can be made for Jopedo and Makeda. They have just dropped an instrumental/R&B EP called Aporia. From the tapas servings offered, there is an idea of the direction their music is going. Organically, Aporia excites the senses by reminding us of how different R&B can be.
Makeda does take the time to let her soothing lyrics interweave Jopedo’s production. “Soul Trip” allows Makeda to croon to one’s heart and sing towards the soul. Her smooth, jazzy voice also accompanies the sample driven “Genuine/Ready, Steady”. Yet, when she is on “Fantastik”, her voice is more instrumental than anything due to no words being truly said. Understandably, Makeda works more to compliment/enhance the aura of the music than stand above it.
Jopedo also plays the part as instrumental master by supplying different moods and impressions. From the cosmic funk of “Headphones” to the experiment that is “Mmm…Bollywood”, Jopedo creates landscapes of lucid grooves. Even on “Capoiera/Love Games”, the guitar strums and bass introduce something much more exquisite. Listeners have to understand that Aporia is much more than an EP. It is an introduction to the musical world of two different artists that meshed together to make their own melodious universe.
Whether they are working to spread a message or just create an atmosphere, Aporia works in its efforts to make beautiful music. Whether the track is a pure song, an instrumental, or both, there is something to gain from the experience. Jopedo and Makeda chose to come together, weaving a tapestry of sound. Hopefully, this is just the tip of the iceberg of what is to come for both artists. Meanwhile, listeners need to enjoy what could be the beginning of fruitful music careers.

 

 

Review written by contributing writer, Mark A. Harris.