Sensational is fresh. Sensational is all about the paper chase. Sensational is prolific. Sensational hustles. Sensational is unique. Sensational is a lyrical chameleon. Sensational is flow personified. Sensational IS hip hop.
Poiesis – A suffix that means making or formation; often used in science
Poiesis – In continental philosophy and semiotics, the process of emergence of something that did not previously exist.
Poiesis – The best album of 2024, so far.
Unbuilt is Masafumi Sawamura, who is also the force behind the Kyoto-based label throughout records. His sonic compositions on Poiesis are not the standard hip hop fare, but Sensational has never needed a 4/4 beat and in fact does his best work when the sound layers are more exotic. Which is exactly what Sawamura provides, the music leaning toward ambient electronica, the beats, when they exist, more reminiscent of jazz than hip hop on tracks like “mrps”, leaving plenty of room for Sensational to slide slyly in and create his own beat-like patterns through his cadence, the lyrics flowing like codeine-infused cough syrup, a vocal drank drizzled over the music. Other times, such as on “erques”, there’s nothing at all resembling a beat, Sensational instead quietly bobbing up and down like a fishing float on a nearly still pond, the slightest changes in his delivery creating ripples throughout the song.
Long-time readers of Life in the Vinyl Lane know I’ve been on the Sensational train for a long time. The Pearl was #2 on my Top 5 Best Albums list in 2022, and a decade earlier he collaborated with the Icelandic duo Ghostigital on another of my annual list favorites, Division of Culture and Tourism. Whether he’s flying solo or collaborating, I’m always all-in when I hear that Sensational has something new coming out. While his flow remains distinctive and unique, he brings something different to every project. Do I love them all? No. Do I respect his choices and approach? Always.
You can check out Poiesis, as well as pick up a copy on vinyl, at the throughout records Bandcamp page HERE (it’s also available on cassette). As for Sensational, I encourage you to watch the documentary about the man, The Rise and Fall of Sensational, which is available on YouTube! HERE.