(Compost/Creative Vibes)

DJ, singer, award winning Edinburgh club promoter and man in demand Joseph Malik has proven himself over more than a decade to be a man of many interests and talents. Previously recording for such labels as Mo’ Wax, Response and Yush, Malik has mastered his craft fusing together elements of Hip Hop, Reggae, Latin, Jazz, Breakbeats, Afro and NuJazz. It was through his “Futuristica” project that Malik came into contact with Compost Records’ Rainer Truby, who asked him to sing on a track for the Truby Trio. This led to a meeting with Compost boss Michael Reinboth and a subsequent record deal. The first fruit spawned from this signing was the 2002 album Diverse that received acclaim and airplay from the likes of Giles Peterson and Norman Jay. This has since led to his singing and song writing being heavily in demand by the likes of Darren Emerson, Tim Deluxe and Zero DB to name but a few. This time around Malik has teamed up with producer David Donnelly  to produce Aquarius Songs, an album he refers to as more his club side than the more chilled out Diverse.  

Less chilled out? You’d be forgiven for thinking to the contrary upon hearing opening track Aquarius Song. The sultry muted horns, slow jazz beat and soulful yearning voice of Malik make this a very down tempo number, easing you into the album. A better picture is painted of a Joseph Malik club night over the following tracks. The tempo picks up on first single Diablo, apparently dedicated to his beloved Glasgow Celtic football team and their triumphant journey to the UEFA Cup final in Seville, Spain. It’s gentle breakbeats, flamenco guitars and hand claps a dedication to the Spanish host city.

Silent Fools picks up the pace a little more, especially after a percussion break down at around the 2:45 mark. Stretching the track out to almost eight minutes this instrumental moment proves a highlight as the track takes on a little more life and energy. Nebua loses the acoustic guitar that has been present up until this point. Echoing xylophones and vocals, coupled with more vibrant and intricate rhythmic patterns, lead to a dreamier feel.

Dream Dancer takes on a straight 4/4 beat with an overall deeper feel. It marks the apex for tempo as from this point on the album slowly works it’s way back down to finish with the down temp jazzy Casualties of War and live acoustic guitar driven performance of Race Relations.

The selling point for the album is Joseph Malik’s voice. There’s no denying the obvious talent; it’s sweet, soft and soulful. For the most part the music steps in the Afro/Nu Jazz territory. With some of the tracks clocking in between six to eight minutes it may not appeal to those not into the sound. However if it’s the wispy broken and jazzy beats that appeal to you then you may find reward in Malik’s touch.