Fiendsh returns to Cold Busted with Hayashi Reborn, the Bangkok-based producer’s long-awaited follow-up to 2016’s To The End. The title refers to the Hayashi, a group of instrumentalists in Japanese Noh theater. Noh often revolves around themes of life, so with this album the Fiendsh alter-ego takes on the role of the Hayashi of the young beat-producer’s life. The album’s sounds are introspective and rich, combining deep rhythms and warm melodies. Sometimes a hint of Fiendsh’s Thai culture drops in, but mostly the influences are straight from the well of hip-hop, soul, and jazz classics.
Hayashi Reborn opens confidently with “Astronaut,” jazz sound blasts giving way to compressed beats and evocative strings. Midway the song transforms to a dream state as things start to flow in reverse. Other highlights include the subdued trip-hop of “Eye Pt. 1,” the shimmering piano boom-bap of “Jun Satori (feat. Puddie),” and “No Limitations” with its pulsing feel and ambient audience sounds. “Champagne Promises” and “Lucid S Dreamin” display a mellower side to Fiendsh, making Hayashi Reborn a well-rounded listen. This album’s a choice set for audio explorers everywhere.
Crate Invader (Point Blank FM London) – “Sometimes uplifting, sometimes emotive, always sublime - just some brilliant programming right here.”
Kid Loco (Flor) – “Fancy the beats, don’t I? I’m dancing.”
Michael Moebus (Meem) – “A nice, atmospheric release.”
Snooba (Radio Panik) – “Nice atmospheric & jazztastic trip hop experience.”
Andrew Emil (5Magazine) – “A really lovely LP.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “A mega selection of tunes to warm your soul and ears.”
Available Now From: Bandcamp, Beatport, Apple Music, And Spotify.