Next in our in-frequent series of mixtapes is ichiro_, one Japans' top-notch beat makers. We have been working with the Nerima-based producer for remixes on ‘Error Code’ by AEED and DZA’s sold-out cassette. He just released the debut album 'Unconsidered_' with Japanese Oilworks and published a digital EP 'Noon' earlier in June 2011.
What is true for ichiro_’s original productions can be found with ‘Zansho’ as well. He squeezes 23 tracks into 60 tight minutes, songs strongly enlaced and re-edited with reverb, delay, and compression. What we get to hear is one hour of high energy beats, a mesmerizing flow of instrumental Hip Hop and electronic music, with hints of UK Bass and Japanese Rap. ichiro_ balances abrasive beats with highly textured pads; his influence from Ambient and Tape music is obvious. Despite all the heavyness ichiro_ manages to surprise with elegant and fresh sounds every once a while, making 'Zansho' a proper must-listen.
