Capricorn Sun

Artist: TSHA

Released: October 2022

Length: 50m 12s

My review:

TSHA delivers a stunning debut here, drawing on inspiration from multiple genres to create an exquisitely crafted, comprehensive and, perhaps most importantly, just a hugely fun album. She manages to combine fundamentals from electronic, house, breaks and even acid, all while converging on a central pop-music structure, producing an instantly captivating and equally accessible sound.

This record has such a natural flow to it, it almost feels like a mixtape rather than an album, taking you on a journey through different sounds and emotions. First up you have Galdem (Intro) an introduction with a tender heartfelt audio and a soft accompanying piano, the basis of the which becomes The Light with a stronger drum beat and additional layered instruments. There is a calm fade out before OnlyL enters with a slow build up and emphasis on the vocals before an equally infectious rhythm defines the song. Water is next up with more of a tribal feel including lyrics in Bambara from Malian singer Oumou Sangaré, one of the highlights from this album for sure. Dancing in the Shadows gets a little grittier with a big, drum heavy beat and the addition of an acidy synth line. Then we have my favourite from the album Giving Up which pushes the BPM up higher still, before we max out at 140 for Anxious Mind, the natural climax of the album. Time slows us right back down for a slight breather with its sluggish beat and twangy licks before going full on acid for the last 90 seconds, another big highlight for me. Up next is Power a jubilant dance-floor friendly tune with its breakdowns and plodding bass line. Running shifts the focus away from the bass instead employing a simple yet catchy guitar riff that comes in and out throughout the song. Sister further softens the mood, with its long drawn out notes and dreamy vocals joined by a chilled out acid bass line towards the end. The album is gifted a proper conclusion with Nala (Outro) a peeled-back, pensive exploration that gently lulls you whilst simultaneously granting you time to reflect.

I love the fact that nearly all of these songs on their own would feel totally at home in a club setting, but as an album they still manage to form a cohesive collection of songs, no mean feat, especially when you consider this is a debut album. For me it surpasses the temptation that a lot of dance musicians fall into, simply making hit singles specifically for the dance floor, and in doing so manages to create something superior. Here we have a superb selection of tunes that can be enjoyed as a complete body of work but that will also equally fit effortlessly into any DJ set.

Teisha is just as comfortable and at home behind the decks as she is in the studio, its great to see someone transition so smoothly and freely between both roles. I have opted to choose three other female artists who are also as accomplished in applying themselves across the board for my 'if you like this try these' section. First up we have Sofia Kourtesis, a Peruvian producer and DJ who incorporates her South American roots in everything she touches, creating an original and unique style of house music. Second up we have Anz, now based in Manchester, someone who is constantly pushing and progressing UK club music with fast-paced beats and fresh sounds, her production mixes are diverse and energetic. Last up we have Elkka, a Welsh producer, DJ and co-founder of collective and label femme culture, born out of the desire to champion women in the arts and push forward-thinking music.

Stand out song:  Giving up (Feat Mafro)

This track opens with the distorted and slightly eerie vocals singing about "giving up on love" centre stage and drenched in emotion, after a few bars there is a brief crescendo as you are thrust into the body of the song. Here you have a thumping bass and compressed drums, reminiscent in style to those used throughout drum and bass, only slightly sped up in this case. For me the success of this song is due to it's minimal components, for this to be effective each element needs to be both practical and efficient, something I would argue has been fully achieved here. There is a break down in the middle where everything is stripped away and you are left purely with the vocals again, before being plunged back into the action. This tune has a real feel of classic rave songs from back in the day, one that I am always quick to turn the volume up for and ready to have a dance to when it comes on.

There is the extended version of this song included with the digital release that has a slightly longer intro with the introduction of the drums straight away, this coupled with the longer run time make it an easier option for mixing.

When to listen: 

For me this album is perfectly suited to gearing up for a big night out, it has that perfect Friday feeling woven into it, a fantastic collection of upbeat dance-floor friendly songs that capture the anticipation of a good time ahead. Of-course it doesn't have to coincide with the start of the weekend, whenever you are in the mood for a dance, need a soundtrack to get you in the party spirit or just want to be lifted up, then put this record on and I can promise you you won't be disappointed.

Spotify: Listen here

Vinyl:

This gatefold double LP is wonderfully packaged, the deep red motif of the cover art is continued into the striking records, marbled with a dash of black. The inserts create an optical illusion combining the initial red while employing a radiant amber, the other notable colour taken from the photos covering the inside pages. The sound quality is just as impressive with clean sharp vocals and a punchy bass to keep you dancing along to this record, the link for the pressing I own is below - Discogs link

Other useful links:

Bandcamp page for music & merch - https://tshamusic.bandcamp.com/

TSHA is also a fantastic DJ, her mixes are eclectic and refreshing, one of my faves that I come back to time and time again is her set from Lost Village 2021, you can listen along here - soundcloud link

If you like this try these:

Sofia Kourtesis - Madres

Anz - Spring/Summer Dubs 2019

Elkka - Prism Of Pleasure