It took us a while to fully grasp the artistic magnitude hidden behind ‘MERAKI’. A kaleidoscopic, eclectic album, the record is the latest nugget of creativity to emerge from ORIMUS’ fertile mind. Formerly known as Aneesh Chengappa, the Berlin-based composer and producer boasts a rather successful career under his previous moniker, with endorsements from the likes of Martin Garrix and Don Diablo, among others. Listening to ‘MERAKI’, it’s instantly obvious how ORIMUS has mastered his production game, with the album revealing itself as a deeply nuanced, well-sculpted stream of sonic goodness.
Over ten hypnotising pieces, ‘MERAKI’ draws a cathartic trait d’union between Indian and Middle Eastern flavourings, both on an electronic and analogue level. Wholesome and authentic instruments such as sitar, duduk, esraj, and handpan are often heard throughout the record, with the occasional, more conventional saxophone making an appearance too. It’s all then layered on top of sharp and slick EDM grooves, a cascade of modulating trance-esque risers and icy drops that give the album its highly unique flair.
‘Oasis’ is a pretty good showcase of what one can expect from ‘MERAKI’, with a revolving door of angelic vocal tones, Indian melodies and tribal instruments in full display. Moreover, ORIMUS is pretty upfront in its compositional techniques, for instance making ample use of the “evocative Phrygian dominant scale”. Again, he’s a skilled artist, a wise figure who knows exactly where he’s moving towards. As the talented sonic wizard explains: “The word ‘Meraki’ itself means to put a piece of your soul into your work, and that’s exactly what this project represents.”
Recommended! Discover ‘MERAKI’ on Spotify:
