Friday 19 June 2015

DF Tram 'Illegal Lingo' Review



Artist: DF Tram



Title: Illegal Lingo



Label: Subatomic UK



Released: 10th July





The début album from San Francisco DJ/producer DF Tram is a quirky and fun slice of chill out which draws on a palette of psychedelics, electronic pop, film samples, spoken word, trip-hop, world music, Krautrock and sunset Balearica. Rather than a roller-coaster through the genres it's a more gentle ride more akin to a merry-go-round.


An accumulation of a 20 year music journey based on music he would listen to at home, in the car, on headphones around the town or at a club. At times I found myself drawing comparisons to Lemon Jelly, The Normal-ites and Royksopp.  In places it can leave you feeling it's bordering on cheesy and at others leaving you astounded at the production. 


The second track 'The Hands of Time' for example is a quality chill out number, where the layering of spoken samples is superb nestled amongst the  cuckoo clocks and voice of Coppe Sweetice, 'Sunflower Jam' on the other hand is a summery jazzy number brimming with samples, lovely acoustics and horns, while the spoken word on 'Grand Finale' layered over uber chilled synths is absolutely lush.


This is a nice little package for the summer months and I can see why Steve Miller (Afterlife) has drafted him on board as there is a certain similarity at times with his own music and with Mixmaster Morris having picked up on 'Soul Exchange' it might help this easy listening album reach a fair few ears.

Reviewed by Woodzee.

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