Es-K (Essential Knowledge) was born in Holland, raised in Kansas City, Missouri, and currently lives in Burlington, Vermont. He made waves with his monthly Spontaneous Grooves releases, where a set of instrumental tracks are created in one sitting — 24 editions were released. Since then, Es-K has remained prolific with a plethora of self-released beat-constructions and albums for Cold Busted, including 2016’s acclaimed Passages. Es-K has a workman-like ethos of beat-making, with creative and top notch hip hop soundscapes constantly pouring out of his Vermont studio.
ReCollection, Es-K’s latest offering on Cold Busted, ups the ante with 24 evocative beat-based compositions representing a variety of moods and contexts. From the sparse, slightly ominous opener “Hydrgn” the listener knows this is a different kind of beats record. “Flrn,” for example, is deep and textural, owing influence to futuristic ambient as well as boom bap hip hop. There are also nostalgic, dream-like moments, such as the loping and exotic “Ptssm” and the mutant quiet storm funk of “Mngns.” The titles are indeed code for the elements, and the elements of Es-K’s production are just as varied. ReCollection is a chemistry course of smooth beat concoctions.
Azaxx (Tru Thoughts) – “Really good vibes. Like a meeting between Mo Wax, DJ Cam and Flying Lotus.”
Rory Hoy (Super Hi-Fi) – “Really lovely instrumental Hip-Hop beats here.”
Spike Deep (Rocka Fobic Music) – “Chilled trip hop mood with breaks. Loving it, will be using it.”
Mr. Bristow (Subtek) – “Some really nice dusty grooves here.”
Rusty – All Good Funk Alliance (Super Hi-Fi) – “Nice selection of beats. “TN” spoke to me the most.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “A magnificent selection of beats!”
Simon Harrison (Basic Soul Radio Show) – “Some heavy tracks here. Loving “Ptssm” & “Mngns”.
Andy Wilson (Ibiza Sonica FM) – “Nice nodders for late night listening. Smokers delights!”
David Bassin (Freefall – KUSF in Exile) – “Mesmerizing.”
MadameFLY (mmRadio) – “These musical fantasies swirl and flow, bumping gently in your consciousness, getting your attention. This collection rewards the vibe-conscious listener.”
Available Now From: Available Now From: Bandcamp, Juno Download, Spotify, And Apple Music.