Customer Reviews

safe in the steep cliffs

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So I found out about Emancipator through a lyricist who goes by the name of Sadistik, and I didn't really know what I was going to find. He threw Emancipator numerous shout outs on his debut album, so I had to check it out. To make a long story short, this is the only review I have ever given and will probably be the only one until something as good or better comes out. From beginning to end, this album is perfect. Some tracks are better than others, but nothing on this album could be considered bad. Kamakura and Black Lake, in my opinion, are the best tracks on this album. Despite not having vocals, Emancipator definitely didn't create an "instrumental" album. When you listen to instrumentals, the music sounds incomplete because it is lacking that harmonic layer. Every track is a complete piece of music, with many complex layers coming together to make the most amazing music ever. There are guitars, banjos, violins, and I think he even throws a kazoo in there. You can listen to Bonobo, Nujabes(RIP), Uyama Hiroto, Little People, etc., and Emancipator has still created something completely unique. If you pass on this album, you must like Soulja Boy and that stuff but lets be honest, if you do like Soulja Boy, you probably just missed the insult anyways. This album is epic.

So I bought this after hearing one of their songs on last fm. I don't know how I never heard of them before. The music is amazing. Although it uses heavy beats in many places, it doesn't feel over-electronic. It almost feels acoustic in some ways, but very fresh overall. Lots of nature sounds. "Old Devil" was a hard one to get past... I played that one on repeat a few times. I just finished listening to this album once and I can say it is well worth it - buy the whole thing! I'd say it's similar to bonobo but somehow more instrumental.

Occasionally, a newcomer comes around and hits your ears with a sonic bouquet of roses, first ripping your soul with the thorns, then gently kissing the wounds with the petals. An unsigned artist that can evoke that feeling is truly a rare occurrence, an unpolished gem, a diamond in the rough. What's interesting about Emancipator, is that I first heard his music back in 2006 with his self released debut, Soon It Will Be Cold Enough. By then, I was already convinced that he would be immediately snatched up, signed and distributed far and wide by a handful of bidding labels. With support from 1320 Records (STS9's label), and Japan's Hydeout Productions, Emancipator's sophomore full length, Safe In The Steep Cliffs is mainly self-released once again. Doug Appling first released his debut when he was only 19 years old. And four years later, his work is even more polished. Solid hip-hop flavored beats mingle with jazzy riffs, acoustic instrumentation and layered vocals. The original appearing violin is back to cry out in angst among the dancing rhythms with an ethnic flavor: there is something Asian in the undertones, and then there is something Brazilian, and it works! Listening to the tracks it's difficult to figure out if it's all sample-based, or if Appling gathered an immense ensemble of instrumentalists to execute the immaculate score for the film inside his head. What attracts me to this music the most, is the heart and soul that is put into each and every track. It is something that is definitely heard in every jazzy riff, every percussion break, and every silky smooth progression of melody. Whether it's the guitar sounds of Taurin Barrera or violin by Thacher Schmid, Appling manages to fold each sound over immaculately produced beats, so that each track becomes a unique journey. The above mentioned guitars, as well as banjo and mandolin are definitely original recordings with guest appearances by Japanese jazz musician Uyama Hiroto. I feel that labels should be watching Emancipator. In the Summer of 2009, Appling opened for Bonobo at the Roseland Theater, toured with Bassnectar and Sound Tribe Sector 9 (STS9), and even managed to get his track played at the Beijing Olympics (although, admittedly, he's not even sure how it happened himself). His organic trip hop sound would be perfect for the likes of Ninja Tune, Ghostly International and n5MD. Yet [as of this writing] he remains unsigned. That being said, at least Appling gets some exposure through live performances at music festivals across the globe. A beautiful, chilled out, dowtempo album for empty days and lonely nights, when memories well up inside and burst into this world through tears.

I was introduced to Emancipator by my boyfriend and from the second I hear him I was hooked. Emancipator is a 20 year old kid who plays electronic music and the guitar. Although he makes the perfect sleep playlist his music is also super awesome to listen to at any point youre looking for a little bit of down-tempo. The way he plays is so capturing, every song on this CD. Also - he'll be performing at Wakarusa this year. It's a festival in Arkansas that takes place in June. It's totally diverse so almost every music style can find something there to enjoy. As for Emancipator performance, I saw him at Camp Bisco Music Festival last year and was totally mesmerized. I definitely definitely recommend this guy!

REALLY like this album, along with everything else from Emancipator. Some of the very best instrumental downtempo music I've ever heard. I was very impressed with his first release, 'Soon it Will Be Cold Enough to Snow', and honestly didn't have such high expectations for this album, but was again totally impressed. Definitely will be listening to Emancipator for ever. Haven't really had a chance to see him live yet, unfortunately. But--- that is going to change this summer. He's playing at the Wakarusa Music Festival in Ozark, Arkansas. The festival's from June 2-5. Really great venue, and festival in general. Went last year and LOVED it. So super excited!

Emancipator is an immaculate instrumental collage, a deep and satisfying blend of many different sounds that finds itself nearly perfected in this second album by the talented DJ Douglas Appling. Comparisons to Bonobo aren't just valid, they're to be expected, as Appling got his start opening for Bonobo on tour. Just as Bonobo enjoys hip-hop and jazz beats set to a rich and moody soundtrack, Emancipator delves further into the electronic sounds and produces one of the best of this eclectic downtempo genre. While Emancipator only flirted with excellence in Soon It Will Be Cold Enough, Safe In The Steep Cliffs finds a more consistent and dreamy sound that resonates in each and every track. Don't listen to this album if you want to get out on the dance floor and shake your groove thang. This is a sweet and mellow album, with beats that are quick and intricate enough to make that foot start tapping, but breezy and sedate enough for late-evening playing. The violins are a great touch when he plays with them, the bass is inspired and lively, the trumpets make a nice surprise at times... in short (too late), everything seems to be working here. Fantastic album.