The Seshen - Cyan [CD]

Out 28th February, 'CYAN is the third full length LP from San Francisco Bay Area-based band The Seshen. Taking its name from a colour that is both strong and soft, the LP unravels the progression that has been made since 2016s Flames and Figures, both as a band and as individuals; Since Flames and Figures, a lot has been taking place both internally and externally. Lyricist and vocalist Lalin St. Juste recollects, we were on tour for the last album during the 2016 US election. There was an intense heaviness, a familiar one, one that extends generations and it just sunk in even further.

The battle to overcome this heaviness, felt as a result of political and social issues and through Lalins own experiences with combating depression, fuels CYAN. I was at the edge of myself, she confesses. This album is about pulling back the layers of who I am in order to push through sadness and grab onto whats underneath. From the opening lines of the LP on Take It All Away, these ideas are displayed - I think its been too long that Ive been your puppet / Cut these strings, I dont want any of it, she sings. Led by exposed yet bold musical endeavours from bassist/producer Akiyoshi Ehara, the album sees The Seshen delve into uncharted eclectic realms; I think that theres a lot more rawness on this record Aki muses.

Anchored by Lalins sly, silvery vocals (which draw frequent comparisons to Erykah Badu) and cerebral yet playful rhythms from producer-bassist Aki, The Seshens music pulls from a deep well of electronic influences, R&B, and indie rock. Drummer Chris Thalmann, keyboard/synth player Mahesh Rao, percussionist Mirza Kopelman and sequencer Kumar Butler make the music three-dimensional, blending live and digital instrumentation for a mercurial, transportive sound. Since 2012, the Seshens live show has earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase on multiple continents, as theyve shared stages with the likes of Hiatus Kaiyote, Petite Noir, tUnE-yArDs, and Thundercat.

SIDE A 1. Take It All Away 2. 4AM 3. Still Dreaming 4. Head To Head 5. Close Your Eyes 6. 1000 Lights SIDE B 7. Faster Than Before 8. Dont Answer 9. Cant Pretend 10. Dive 11. Stones 12. Wander

• Format Detail: CD
• Format: CD
• Genre: Dance & Electronic