rejoicer: this is reasonable
Francisco Espregueira
Rejoicer, aka Yuval Havkin, a downtempo pioneer known for his jazz-infused hip-hop, takes a new direction on his latest album This Is Reasonable, out now on Circus Company. Following two acclaimed Stones Throw Records releases, Energy Dreams (2018) and Spiritual Sleaze (2020), this 11-track collection dives into the world of chilled electronic music, bordering on ambient.
We’re taken by calming melodies and atmospheres and a sense of floating tranquility akin to ambient music. This Is Reasonable achieves this without resorting to genre clichés. Instead, it relies on subtle melodies and rich keyboard harmonies that draw inspiration from both jazz and electronica, all supported by a gentle groove. This delicate balance perfectly reflects Rejoicer's moniker, hinting at both peaceful escape and gentle spirituality that contrasts with the war raging in the region where the album was created. A paradox fully embraced by the artist, who views his music as a response to the violence of our times. Available on vinyl, courtesy of Circus Company.