Album Review :: Emancipator :: Dusk To Dawn

 Emancipator dropped his third major album, Dusk To Dawn, on 1/29/2013.

“Within you’ll find nothing but soundscapes and dreamy wonderlands that take you on rides through distant lands or skies, among trees or waterfalls, and doing so in an extremely dance-friendly way.”

Words by: Steve Ledgers

Emancipator | Dusk To Dawn

Loci Records

Douglas Appling, known under his stage name as Emancipator, is an American trip-hop producer based in Portland Oregon. With the recent start of a new tour, he dropped his latest album, “Dusk to Dawn.”

Transcendental Intelligent Dance Music (IDM) is the best way to describe this tide of production, slightly uncharacteristic, when one looks at the ‘trip-hop’ label. However, this IDM sound is just as fitting to those familiar with any form or shape the mind-stimulating music takes, whether it be ‘trip-hop’, glitch, ambient trance, deep house, Nu-jazz, or mushroom/acid jazz. You can be sure elements of each have found their way into the album, amidst a rather eclectic spectrum of obvious world-wide cultural influences.

Within you’ll find nothing but soundscapes and dreamy wonderlands that take you on rides through distant lands or skies, among trees or waterfalls, and doing so in an extremely dance-friendly way. Composed extremely well, akin to a good short story, where nothing detaches you from the narrative, or, in this case, the music, unless you pull yourself out consciously. You can listen to the entire album straight through seamlessly. Nothing feels or sounds out of place. The samples and loops are very tasteful, the music itself melodic, two parts pretty, and one part strange, while staying transcending, relaxing, rather thought provoking all throughout.

This album is a must for music lovers alike, especially those drawn to the feelings of endless possibility, whether you are in need of something to listen to while you’re chillin’ or working, or in search of something you can dance to. It’s definitely a fit for both.

“Nothing feels or sounds out of place. The samples and loops are very tasteful, the music itself melodic, two parts pretty, and one part strange, while staying transcending, relaxing, rather thought provoking all throughout.”

Upcoming Emancipator Tour Dates

February 14 Birmingham, AL—Zydeco
February 15 Nashville, TN—Marathon Music Works
February 16 Columbia, MO—The Blue Note
February 17 East Peoria, IL—Cabin Fever Music Festival
February 27-March 3 Uvita, Costa Rica—Envision Festival
March 7 Bozeman, MT—Montana State University
March 8 Portland, OR—Wonder Ballroom
March 9 Seattle, WA—Neumos
March 10 Bellingham, WA—Wild Buffalo
March 13 Arcata, CA—Arcata Theatre
March 14 San Francisco, CA—Mezzanine
March 15 Santa Cruz, CA—The Catalyst
March 16 Los Angeles, CA—El Rey Theatre
March 17 Solana Beach, CA—Belly Up Tavern
March 19 Flagstaff, AZ—The Green Room
March 20 Alburquerque, NM—Evolution Nightclub
March 21 Durango, CO—Henry Strater Theatre
March 22 Salt Lake City, UT—Urban Lounge
March 23 Crystal Bay, NV—Frank Sinatra Showroom

Readers please see our review of Emancipator’s fantastic set at last years Festival of Gnarnia