You Don’t Have to Leave Here Alone; 200,000 of us will join you!
Today, we visit an eccentric Chillhop vibe nearing its one-year anniversary since release. A duo of beat-making juggernauts, Grapestuff & Jake Jurant, chef’d up a feel-good joint that has been enjoyed more than 200,000 times on Spotify. ‘Leave Here Alone’; supported by the fine people of Chilled Cat, gives us everything we love about uplifting Chillhop beats; melodic substance, a drum groove that evokes a sense of forward momentum, and enough weirdness and variety to keep you on your Lofi Lovin’ toes.
The track begins with a gorgeous electric guitar chord progression that is reminiscent of one you might hear in the introduction of a modern-day smash hit pop-song. It’s married to an infectious vocoder sample that serves as melodic glue throughout the composition. With a bit of spaced-out reverb and a stop-you-in-your-tracks pause, we’re met with a truly satisfying drop. The percussion has a very quirky feel, with a hi-hat falling on the upside of every downbeat, a snappy rim-shot, and a syncopated feeling kick-drum and synth-bass groove. There is plenty of foley and textural-intrigue to go around. With several stop-and-go beat chop-ups, we never get the chance to lose interest in the vibe. Finally, a gratifying piano counter-melody maintains a constant motion within an otherwise simple linear progression. The tape warble effect on several of the instrument tracks gives ‘Leave Here Alone’ that authentic Lofi feel we all know and adore, and provides a homogenization that makes everything feel connected in a handsome way.
Chilled Cat has long been known for their feel-good offerings and this release is no different. Jake Jurant has become synonymous with rad cartoon animations, jazz & funk influence, and an impressive catalogue; boasting releases with labels such as Lopills, Chillmoon, Tsunami Soundz and beyond. Grapestuff provides ample contribution with his signature drum feel, vocal samples and unearthly synth atmospheres that have come to characterize his unique approach to the Lofi/Chillhop arena. ‘Leave Here Alone’ is a lovely mantlepiece to look back on and celebrate in both producers’ increasingly refreshing catalogues.
You can enjoy it and give it another 200,000 streams on your favorite platform here.
