- Powder? Highly? Don't jump to conclusions: these five balmy tracks are more Ibiza beach party than Miami nightlife, even if they do all move with swagger. Only three months after her debut 12-inch on Born Free Records, the young Japanese producer arrives on NY/LA's ESP Institute label with her second EP, and it's a comprehensive, full-bodied listen that belies her experience. Powder ticks off just about every possible sound in her purview—there's sprightly house ("Humid Wind"), half-stoned lounge ("Busy Port"), subterranean party music ("Manhole"), spooky jungle rituals ("Lost Of Light") and sunset comedown vibes ("Highly"). It's all arranged so well and crafted with such character, you almost wonder if Highly is the work of an older producer under an alias.
But no, the 12-inch label credits these tracks to one Moko, and some online digging proves the backstory true. Having opened the first Mood Hut party in Tokyo and appeared on NTS's Noise In My Head show, she seems well on her way to finding her place in the scene. Highly speaks to an artist with a strong sense of identity and purpose.
TracklistA1 Lost Of Light
A2 Manhole
B1 Humid Wind
B2 Busy Port
B3 Highly