Review by T.
Shibuya Motors Feat DD Kern – A Wild Ride Through Electronic Jazz Fusion (2011)
Alright, let’s talk about Shibuya Motors Feat DD Kern, an album that’s kind of like stumbling into a secret club in the backstreets of Bratislava. Released in 2011 on Atrakt Art, this Slovak project blends electronic beats with jazzy vibes and experimental twists. It’s not your typical smooth jazz playlist or EDM banger fest—it’s something weirder, cooler, and honestly pretty unforgettable.
First off, hats off to DD Kern for wearing multiple hats here. Literally. This guy handles drums, percussion, vocals, and even guests on half the tracks. And then there’s Miroslav Tóth blowing alto saxophone like it’s his life mission. The whole thing feels alive, unpredictable, and just messy enough to keep you hooked.
Now, onto two tracks I can’t get out of my head:
“Makuai San”
This one kicks off with some glitchy electronics from Slávo Krekovič, setting up this eerie vibe before the sax swoops in like a rogue bird. There’s something hypnotic about how the drumming builds up slowly, almost teasing you. You think it’s gonna explode into chaos, but instead, it stays restrained, letting each sound breathe. It’s like walking through Shibuya at night—bright yet mysterious, chaotic but oddly calming.
“Gyakumodori”
Oh man, this track is wild. DD Kern’s vocals are front and center here, layered over these funky, pulsating rhythms. It’s got this raw energy that makes you want to move, even if you’re just sitting at your desk pretending to work. The way the saxophone dances around the beat? Unreal. By the time the track ends, you’re left feeling like you’ve been part of some strange ritual.
The rest of the album keeps up this balance between structure and experimentation. Tracks like “Tsukurigao” and “Kanmatsu” show off the band’s knack for blending genres without losing their identity. Maria Corejova’s cover art and layout deserve a shoutout too—it’s all sleek and minimal, matching the music perfectly.
What really stands out about Shibuya Motors Feat DD Kern is its refusal to fit neatly into any box. Is it jazz? Sure. Electronic? Yeah. Experimental? Absolutely. But more than anything, it’s human. Mixed and mastered by Juraj Lehuta, every track has this warm, organic feel despite all the tech-heavy elements.
If I had to nitpick, maybe a few tracks could’ve been trimmed down—but hey, that’s what skip buttons are for, right?
Here’s the kicker: listening to this album feels like discovering a hidden gem in a thrift store. You weren’t looking for it, but once you find it, you can’t imagine your life without it. Who knew Slovakia would give us such a mind-bending mix of sounds? Definitely worth checking out if you’re into stuff that challenges your ears while still being fun.
And honestly? If this album doesn’t make you wanna grab a saxophone or mess around with a drum machine, nothing will.
