By Spencer Douglas
On the back of his highly acclaimed Melt My Eyez See Your Future – one of my favourite albums of 2022 – Denzel Curry has recorded a seven song EP in the iconic Electric Lady Studios.
Commissioned by Jimi Hendrix in 1968, and then opened in 1970, the Electric Lady is the oldest working studio in New York and has hosted many famous artists across its long history.
During Curry’s session, we yet again see another side of his impressive versatility, proving his growth over recent years. The recording features four standout tracks from his recent album, alongside two covers and one unreleased song.
The first track is a short take of Shogun’s ‘Lonely Man,’ opening with jazzy instrumentals courtesy of Curry’s own 10-piece ensemble, the Cold Blooded Soul Band, who are formally introduced by Curry on the second track, ‘Walkin’.
Featuring guitar, bass, keys, drums, percussion, a four-piece horn ensemble, and a backing vocalist, the band was first unveiled on Curry’s appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert last year, which amassed over 1.6 million views on Youtube. They also featured on Curry’s extended version of Melt My Eyez See Your Future, re-recording eight of the original songs, as well as releasing two new songs.
Originally released as part of his 2022 album, ‘Walkin’ is one of Curry’s most streamed songs, and has received a laid-back reworking here, that includes complex chords in the background, complimenting the more mellow take on his vocal delivery.
Alongside the Cold Blooded Soul Band, is producer Powers Pleasant, who has worked on tracks with Joey Bada$$, Beast Coast and recently Curry, including ‘Ain’t No Way’ and ‘Zatoichi’ from his 2022 album.
The third track, ‘Troubles’, is a majestic re-recording from last year’s album, which swings in and out of his usual rap style, and his more soft, relaxed flow. Adding a different dimension to this revamp, the horn assembly is a standout on this track, as well as the notable bass work and percussion.
The second covered song of the short session is Erykah Badu’s ‘Didn’t Cha Know,’ which was also originally recorded at the Electric Lady Studios by Badu. The track, which includes a feature from Bilal, was an unexpected one for Curry fans, but his perfect execution has received much praise.
To conclude the EP is the newly released ‘Endtroduction’, which features a much more aggressive and heavy delivery compared to the more melodic previous six tracks. The song features Curry’s usual rap style, but still feels suited to the session, thanks to the work from the Cold Blooded Soul Band.
As we think the track is coming to the end, Curry yells “SIKE”, to allow a great instrumental to close the remarkable session.
