Graham Reid | | <1 min read
By Design
The multi-instrumentalist and expat producer Callum Mower (AKA neo-soul, folksy singer/songwriter Serebii) has said he draws inspiration from Aldous Harding and his frequent collaborator has been local soul-jazz artist Arjuna Oakes.
Although he has moved back to this country from London, he is increasingly connecting with a global audience and recent PR out of the US said he was suggested listening for those who like James Blake, Michael Kiwanuka and Sampha. All good reference points to have.
For this light'n'laidback sophomore album Serebii invites in Carla Camilleri (of local band Recitals), Tessa Dillon of Mystery Waitress (AKA Tessa De Lyon) and Leith Sye Towers who co-wrote Verrans Corner here which is more dreamily romantic than that busy intersection on Auckland's North Shore.
All slip discreetly into Serebii's sound design of soothing and subtle sounds which support the vocals, his own style being featherweight and intimate.
As with his 2023 album Inside, this finds an interesting place between ambient music, the chill-out room and a kind of subdued and soulful folktronica.
The Randan however has his grandfather reading an autobiographical piece about the confusion of being an outsider adolescent and with Serebii's spare and shimmering ambient backdrop.
It's interesting but doesn't bear many repeat plays.
The overall atmosphere is of polished, restful folk-influenced electronica with soft Latin rhythms and acoustic guitar (Goji, Telling Lies) and a hint of Tropicalia languor (Feet for Pegs).
For sophisticated late nights and candlelight.
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You can hear and buy this album at bandcamp here.
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