Infinite Sounds UK: EP Review: Learning Curves by Local Elements

Learning Curves

Local Elements

It’s been a little while since I have had a review from the other side of the world but, today’s review comes all the way from New Zealand. This means that this review marks two debuts, the first being my first review from an artist from New Zealand, and the second is that Learning Curves is the debut EP release from Christchurch based rapper/producer and audio engineer, Local Elements.

Learning Curves has been a year in the making and reflects Local Elements hard work, dedication, and his growth as an artist. He also displays his proficiency in beat production by producing, mixing and mastering three of the EP’s four tracks, entirely by himself.

So, join me now as I take you on ride through the Learning Curves EP…

The EP opens with No Complaints, a chilled head nod sound of drums and guitar vibes. The reflective air around this one comes not just from the beat but, also from Local Elements who delivers an emotive track that looks at the deeply personal events from his past that have strong impression on him; these are the experiences that have helped shape his path on life’s journey and are responsible for being a huge part of crafting him into the man and artist he is today. In using these personal experiences so well, it really does make this relatable to people from across the world, we can all reflect on the past and how it has shaped who we are.

A laid-back vibe of drums, keys, acoustic guitar, and bass, opens our mind up, casting them back to the School Daze. Keeping it head nod we find Local Elements casting his mind back to his teenage years and both the struggles and the fun times of being a part of the school system. Drawing on his personal experiences of ADHD, this track really draws you into that era of being far more carefree, before being caught up in the complex nature of adult life. The use of personal experiences makes this something we can all feel on the same level. I found it very relatable from my own school experiences, even though my own diagnosis of ADHD (ADD) did not come until my forties, there was a lot here that hit close to home.

Humble Beginnings is a percussion heavy sound that has a deep edge to it. The track is a collaboration with fellow Christchurch artist Roarz and see’s both artists relating their love of making music; all this despite what life has thrown at them. As much as this feels like a celebration, it also feels like an enduring epitaph, carved in stone from their words, to stand the test of time but, this is not a final reflection on what has been; it is just as much a reflection on what is to come. It is another marker to reflect on at a later time to see how far they have been when they next reflect.

The EP closes with Sayin’ Nothin’ which is a remix of the track Doves by Sahala and Altosounds. The pounding drum beat is backed by this sampled mixed up synth sound that grips your mind from the star and never let’s go; this helps the words really sink into your awareness. Local Elements pulls no punches on this track, drawing on personal experience, he looks at how mainstream Hip Hop has suffered due to the glorification of violence and drug use. In fact, he says more in two and a half minutes than some say in a whole EP! There really is a call for a return to the roots of Hip Hop of what Hip Hop culture is all about, something that I see more and more in the underground releases.

Learning Curves is stunning debut from Local Elements. It packs more emotion into, a little over ten minutes, that some release pack into three or four times that. It really shows the introspective nature of what he packs into his tracks, and drawing on those personal experiences really does give Learning Curves this air about it that is so easily relatable to anyone who choses to listen. It also displays a deep dedication to his art and to keeping the true authentic nature of Hip Hop alive.

Local Elements, as an emcee, shows that he has taken his time to hone his craft. His lyricism is on point, regardless of the flow or the nature of the message being delivered, and that personal edge adds depth to every bar he delivers. There is also this air of confidence and a commanding nature about his delivery that comes from that unflinching dedication to his craft; that also permeates into his work as a producer and beyond. You just feel that everything comes from a deep desire to be true to the roots of Hip Hop and to show that to the world. The soundscapes he has crafted really reflect that with a sound that is unequivocally Hip Hop to the core.

This EP does not just reflect the learning curves of the artist but, it opens us to reflecting in on our own learning curves and, perhaps it just asks that we look at the what can be learned from looking at Hip Hop itself and how we can return to the root of real Hip Hop and bring that back to the forefront; displaying the true meaning of the culture to world and the music industry..?

Learning Curves by Local Elements is out now and is one that is worth you time to check out, without delay.

My thanks to Local Elements for getting in touch and sending this over to me.

On that note,

I’ll see ya next time.

Steve

LINKS

Get Learning Curves via the Website Here:

https://www.localelements.co.nz/

Local Elements on Spotify Here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2WwJVkHPmO29FX3MyWaAAG

Local Elements Social Media Links:

https://www.instagram.com/localelements/