One of the stranger French electronic music producers, Joakim is also one of the best electronic acts to see live. I had the privilege to see him in the setting sun after Junior Boys at Parklife two years ago and it was the perfect way to end the day and start the night. His warm synth textures and funky basslines set the mood so well by having one foot lounging in the grass and one foot stepping on the dance floor.
He has a new album coming out in September called Nothing Gold on his own label Tigersushi. The album has already leaked and I’ve given it a few listens over the last few days and am impressed with it so far. The first single Forever Young is an obvious highlight, which is partly due to its nostalgic lyrics, a sly bit of cowbell and a big bass lead that sounds a lot like LCD Soundsystem’s Someone Great. Another track which I keep finding myself tabbing back to my iTunes to find out the name of is In The Cave. For this track he uses the bass more traditionally – a bit further back in the mix – and it holds together the track really well even when the synths reach breaking point and explode all over the place like a swarm of robot bees would if their metal hive fell to the ground. The title track has probably the best vocal hook of all the tracks and kinda reminds of a Holy Ghost! or The Juan Maclean track that’s been slowed down 10 BPM (definitely a good thing!).
Thankfully, Joakim will be touring Australia in a couple of weeks to show us all a great party. Dates and downloads below. If you like what you hear, be sure to come along and support him live, he will not disappoint!
Bonus: Joakim – Forever Young (Extended Afro Mix)
Joakim – Nothing Gold (album download – open in new tab)
Joakim 2011 Australian Tour Dates
15.09 NEW GUERNICA, MELBOURNE
16.09 BARSOMA, BRISBANE
17.09 RA X, CIVIC HOTEL, SYDNEY
