L.A. based label Future Stress Recordings, headed up by Kevin Fink, recently sent over a sampler featuring albums by three of their four artists: chilled out electro duo I Am Not a Liar, jazzy DJ/performer Jekai Soulspeak (pictured below) and indie folk rockers Sonny and the Sunsets. Read's John's review here, and check out Becky's Retort below.

By: Becky Firesheets
Sampler Rating: 9/11

Perhaps it takes someone who loves electronic music to appreciate Jekai Soulspeak and I Am Not a Liar, but both groups are way above utter boredom. Let’s start with Jekai, my personal favorite from this sampler. Reminiscent of Mum and Peanut Butter Wolf, Jekai blends jazz, a hint of amusing muzak, funk, electro and hip-hop to create an overall peculiar but engaging sound. Currently based in Shanghai, he also incorporates elements from the city’s hip-hop scene, adding in trippy melodies that give the songs a distinct feel. The album is split between a heavier vibe, seen in the driving drumbeat on song “Finally,” and a more upbeat feel, like in “Snakes and Omens,” a song that meanders and wanders through electro noises before falling into a funky breakdown with hand drums and soulful vocals. Random percussive instruments are scattered throughout the entire album (showcased on song “Rainydazeinchina,” a personal favorite) but Jekai doesn’t lose himself in experimentation. He remains rooted in melody while also layering his tunes with interesting sounds. Yes, some of it does feel like muzak, but this is only one small element to the songs. And to me, the muzak bits are pretty entertaining thrown in the middle of all the other stuff goin' on.

While I Am Not A Liar does not incorporate as many different sounds, they still hold their own in the electronic world. There are interesting parts to their EP but it certainly falls into the category of atmospheric background music. Which is fine by me; I’m always looking for music I can write to, music that’s interesting and will spark creativity without demanding too much of my attention. Some may call this boring, but I Am Not A Liar’s EP still incorporates various sections that keep it from sinking too far into the background.  Opening track “First Word Cut,” for example, begins with soaring, moody sounds that extend over the first two minutes with an occasional upbeat, blippy hook dancing in the forefront. The drum track speeds up as chord-like progressions take over, turning the song into a catchy but still relaxed tune. Then final song "Turn" really ups the energy, throwing in happy yet eerie vocals over a fast-paced synthesized banjo line. Brilliant. Think Boards of Canada with a dose of Sigur Ros. Chilled out and pretty but unique and interesting when you pay close attention to it.

When it comes to Sonny and the Sunsets, I have no retort. His vocals are beautiful, the songs well composed and engaging, the overall sound dark yet upbeat – a very powerful combination. His 7” is entirely too short.  I am definitely looking forward to more releases from every band on this sampler.

Check out Future Stress Recordings home page and Facebook page for more info on the bands and to download their tunes. Both Jekai Soulspeak and I Am Not A Liar have released only digital copies of their albums, so there are no excuses for not downloading them now. Unless you agree with John, that is…