Arjuna Oakes – While I’m Distracted (Albert’s Favourites) (13th floor Album Review)
Arjuna Oakes has been described as genre-less in that he’s difficult to pigeonhole. I’d flip that and say he’s genre-ful.
From the first track of his debut album While I’m Distracted the listener is brought into the billowing world of Oakes’ musical sphere. Sounds ethereal and melodic fill the void while a single repeated note brings you down to Earth reflecting the song title So Don’t Forget.
The musical journey continues throughout the album visiting influences from jazz, soul, gospel, blues, world, rock and even a little bit of Brit Pop.
His voice sometimes forceful as on Pocketful of Paranoia, sometimes reminiscent of Green from Scritti Politti and even the occasional nod to Radiohead’s Thom Yorke is played to its full across this album, showcasing his range from low tenor to a controlled falsetto.
Oakes’ high notes are definitely a high note on this record.
Oakes says he’s obsessed with albums but it’s taken six years since his first EP to produce this one.
“I’ve made seven EPs,” Oakes said, “but needed time to tackle a full length record. I was using the EPs to learn the craft of how to make a great album, much like a director will make short films before they make a feature.”
That reference to film-making will not be lost on the listener: Oakes’ music can, at times, seem like a film score and the influence of friend and mentor John Psathas, composer and emeritus professor at the New Zealand School of Music, is evident.
And his collaboration with other artists is a real triumph with fourteen contributors to While I’m Distracted, including jazz legend Nathan Haines on flute, some slick bass from Harrison Scholes, infectious drumming from Sam Notman and Louisa Williamson’s explorative saxophone.
“I wanted to take the listener on a journey and spark their imagination,” Oakes says. “Hopefully the album expresses complex emotions, rather than having an intellectual concept. I’d rather ask questions than answer them.”
The reference to concept is no mistake. While I’m Distracted is a complete work that explores innocence and vulnerability in a world that demands durability and a hard exterior.
“I am alive, I have a soul,” Oakes sings on I Am Alive obviously making no excuses for who he is but can also lay himself bare in Nothing’s Gonna Fill You Up – “I wandered these streets endlessly, but you never came” – a track that also uses Oakes’ voice as a rhythmic pulse throughout the track.
In No Joke Oakes states “I was born a liar, I was born a sinner…” but it doesn’t mean he can’t feel, adding “I would never mean to harm you.”
And throwing himself completely open he invites the listener to “Save my soul when you can – give it a dust now and then” in Paranoia.
Mostly these themes are explored over a background of polyrhythmic, polymelodic, voluminous tracks orchestrated majestically by Oakes.
Occasionally the mood is taken down with a sombre piano and Oakes’ lower, breathy register. “I am and the sun and the moon, I am the weight of the World” he sings on Lay Low, “Don’t let me go so soon. I’ll lay low.”
With seven EPs and an extensive catalogue to draw from, maybe it’s a stretch to call this a debut album, but it is a great body of work nonetheless. With 16 tracks running at over 56 minutes it’s easy to see how While I’m Distracted is offered as a double vinyl record.
“I poured my whole heart and soul into this album and it features many dear friends who lent their talents to the project,” Oakes says in the press release. It’s been years in the making and I can’t wait to finally share it with you!”
Thanks Arjuna. It was well worth the wait.
Alex Robertson
While I’m Distracted is set for release today via London label Albert’s Favourites.
BUY WHILE I’M DISTRACTED Digital : https://albertsfavourites.
