Haj i Ji - Above & Below Remix EP

Above & Below alludes to the fundamental spiritual principle, which animates all creative processes. "That which is above is the same as that which is below." Defying easy categorization, this 5-minute moving saga is the debut solo release from Haj i Ji (formerly Sub Swara, Freek Factory, Nyxyss, Rising Smoke of the Hobo Kings). Written as a performance piece for tribal belly dancer Sera Solstice, the song took on a life of its own. A distinct North African dub feel freely interplays with West Coast production elements. The journey-like nature of the composition makes it feel like a small movie unto itself. Above & Below has many call-and-response moments; violin, cello and flute are punctuated by dark electronic synths and intricate percussion (darbuka, ashiko, frame drum, djembe). Ethereal vocals float over the top as the whole proceeding builds to a dramatic climax.