Joomanji

In a soundscape overwhelmed by inhuman beats and 200late electro-wobbles, groove collective Joomanji follows up their 2012 self-titled debut with Manj, taking us even deeper into what’s possible when good production meets virtuosic jams from across the cultural divide. With its core of instrumentalists, including producer/wizard Jonah Christian and drum prodigy Amir Oosman, Joomanji brings with it a small army of talented friends, each with their own individual flavor.
This collaborative mentality, the fearlessness of appropriation from any musical tradition, never shying away from getting further outside than expected, and the electronic samples and textures are what make the overall soundscape of this release so relevant in the current hip hop/jazz scene. This crossover genre needs to happen more, and California seems like the perfect breeding ground, spearheaded of course by the likes of Joomanji.
Check out Jamal Moore’s deep flute freakouts between Arielle Deem‘s vox on earworm Around the World, or Nick Bianchini’s beautiful trumpet textures sprinkled throughout. Not to mention soon-to-be-world-renown entertainer Austin Antoine rapping, often freestyle, in his default blow-your-mind state. You’d never expect it all to come together, because you probably haven’t heard it work before. But Joomanji pulls it off, and that’s why this is one band to keep an eye on in the weeks, months, and years to come.
Listen for free below, or name your price and download from their bandcamp for the next 48 hours. This blog does not take responsibility for any excessive head bobbing injuries sustained while listening to Joomanji. - Paul Mathis

California’s Joomanji have finally dropped Manj, the followup to last year’s self titled release! If you enjoyed Spread Too Thin (listen) like we did, the crew not only starts this album off with a wonderful gem with a similar jazzy vibe, they also offer a remastered version of that track. Somethin’ Out Of Nothin feat. Saara Maria is worth the price of the release alone PLUS an album purchase comes with 5 bonus tracks. Grab it HERE - BamaLoveSoul

California based collective Joomanji return with the follow-up to their stellar self titled debut from last summer. “Manj” find the collective continuing on with an effortless blend of soul, jazz, hip hop that can get cosmic and electronic or raw, organic and funky. A few cast members from their first project reappear including singer Lindsay Olsen and rappers Te-Diggs and Devin The Dude with the addition of singer Saara Marta who makes her presence known. There’s even an appearance from Carlitta Durand on one track.
Well worth the check out and purchase. Cop it below! - Kevin Nottingham

Left coast based production collective, Joomanji, presents “Manj.” Smooth, jazzy, and rife with hip-hop inflections, the project’s detectable jazz-hop influences are reminiscent of timeless avant-garde hip hop production—a little J Dilla, Madlib’s more jazzy works, and some Erykah Badu and Bilal. But these tracks are more so reinvigorations of such sounds with expanded horizons into something wholly modern and progressively creative. Each production on the 13-track album swirls nuanced dreamy keyboards, melodic percussion, and entrancing bass and horns to create fresh sonic layers that the smooth guest vocals delicately fold themselves into to create a boldly experiential delivery.

Give the album a listen in its entirety on bandcamp; stand out tracks include “Spread Too Thin” with traditional meets contemporary crossover vocals from Lindsay Olsen, a stoney verse from Devin The Dude on an appropriately titled track, “Toasted,” “Divided,” and some thoughtful lyricism on “Bustin Loose.”

For now, check out instrumental, “Around the World” and “Chasin Rhymes” & “Somethin’ Out of Nothin,” featuring vocals from frequent guest artist on the album, Saara Maria, below. - Earmilk

Joomanji’s self titled album (purchase) was released earlier this year and we’re delighted to hear they’re working on a followup. The release date for Manj is set for early November and you can preview the lead single, Somethin Out of Nothin HERE. In the meantime, I’ll bless you with one of my favorite tunes from the previous album
- BamaLoveSoul