After experiencing his childhood in Holland and Suriname, DJ Sun’s (real name Andre Sam-Sin) family relocated to Houston, where he lived the rest of his teenage years. Later on, DJ Sun occupied himself by starting up an acid jazz radio show, which had a clear influence on his music. His self-stated goal was to inform people about music they hadn’t had a chance to listen to or experience in the past, due to cultural differences. One Hundred is a culmination of his last 20 years of work, and seeks to find a balance between the slower pace of reggae and the upbeat tempo of house music.
I’ll describe the opening track with an example: Close your eyes, and imagine yourself strolling down the streets of Manhattan. Actually, don’t close your eyes—just continue reading. As you’re strolling down the street with your sunglasses on, a background soundtrack is playing all around you. There are voices that shout out every once in a while, signifying the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a typical neighborhood. Basically, that is what “Tomorrow” sounds like, and the experience the album overall provides.
“Stinger” can really get your foot tapping, as the track accelerates and maintains a tempo that is instilled by the persistent clapping spread throughout the song’s entirety. The introduction of vocals in “Heart Seed” serves to flesh out One Hundred further, and Leah Alvarez should be lauded for her killer execution. “Marksonthekeys” is my personal favorite, as it features a truly delightful combination of the guitar and korg.
One Hundred is a solid effort, and is distinctly different from pretty much everything out in the mainstream market. It introduces you to a soulful style of music that isn’t necessarily as commonplace as perhaps it should be. Some of the songs aren’t as spectacular as the others, but that doesn’t take away from the sublimity of One Hundred.
In A Word: Groovy
