Elly Roberts reviews
Mokita: Answers Within Earshot
Distributed by
Further Records
- Released: Out now
- Rating: 8/10
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Mokita’s debut album is a fine one indeed.
If I was to hear any of these tracks on radio, not that they’re prime-time fodder, I would certainly check out this slick and stylish collection.
At the heart of every musician is accessing their music to the general public in some kind of fashion, whether it is pop or rock. All musicians need a reference point, even if it’s a hit single or minor one. London-based Craig Johnston aka Mokita (roughly translated as ‘truth is known’ etc in New Guinea ) has created a smooth album worthy of general attention, but unless it’s picked up by the press or specialist DJ, it might struggle, as good as it is.
To his credit, 29-year–old Mokita has managed to combine tiny elements of self-indulgence with general appeal: a rare quality indeed. His target audience is the 25 – 35 chill-out brigade, and he’s address that superbly, drawing influences from Zero 7, Massive Attack and French outfit Air.
His gentle touch and melodic template make Answers..very listenable, and when I get my radio show up -and -running, it’s getting some serious rotation.
Currently rotating in my laptop, I believe it has all the slow-burning qualities of say Daniel Rice’s ‘O’, but not comparable musically.
He’s also deliberately or otherwise, created a sort of mid-Atlantic mood, with a fabulous voice t’boot, though it is essentially a British album, with a nod to California.
There are some divine and exquisite moments here like the melancholic tinged Wherever I Fall. This spell-binding ballad could be his ticket to success, and should be out to all radio stations right now, especially BBC Radio 2. It’s got all the right ingredients – honeyed harmonies and soaring chorus and that Celtic-inflected violin. Mokita’s blueprint is instantly established with the moody synth-driven sultry steadiness to grab the ladies on Answers, though it sounds like a Who intro. Upping the pace, Older eventually explodes with golden West Coast harmony and a lightweight touch.
Another single contender would be Wonderland. There’s a contemporary America (the band) feel about this, and the cool stylings of Jack Savoretti. His dulcet tones are backed by some sombre and menacing singing. When we get to Why?, there’s a huge shift in pace and mood: dark violin splashes texturise the R&B stickwork, which could be something by Jason Mraz no less.
The standout track is the groovy Pieces. Neat beat, acoustic guitar, light sticks and more honeyed vocals – very stylish, with just a hint of France floating in the mix.
Capping what is a meritorious effort, the cool and breezy W.I.F. has some superb complex drum-work and soaring string arrangements by Mokita himself.
This album was originally recorded for TV/Movie agents in LA, then he decided to release it here on iTunes. Good idea.
The verdict: Great start…Watch this space.
Radio: Hear tracks soon on
wrexhamfm.com
The full list of tracks included are :
DVDs reviewed by the editor are watched on a Panasonic TXW32R4 32" widescreen TV
connected to either a Creative Dxr2 DVD-ROM player or Microsoft Xbox and
played through a Sony STR-DB930 amplifier.
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.