Heavensouls' latest album, Cantu of the Sower, is a breakneck musical journey that defies genre conventions and rewards adventurous listeners. Released via NTS Recordings on 7 October, this six-track project from the ultra-prolific artist is a sonic whirlwind that blends blown-out noise, hyperactive stylistic shifts, and relentless rhythms into a surprisingly cohesive and exhilarating experience.
Who is Heavensouls?
Heavensouls is the project of Chidi Obialo, a 20-year-old musician who was raised in Nigeria and moved to the US at age seven. Now based between Biafra, Nigeria, and Texas, USA, Obialo has been incredibly prolific, releasing a stream of challenging and inventive music. His work draws comparisons to artists like Los Thuthanaka, Jpegmafia, and DJ Sabrina the Teenage DJ, but his sound is distinctly his own.
The Sound of Cantu of the Sower
Cantu of the Sower is not for the faint of heart. It's a cacophony of ideas, with songs that glitter like rich seams of rare crystal, billowing from arcade glitter to compression-straining bass, sprite-like playfulness to warm, rushing brass. Languid trumpet lines float around trash-compactor crunch; sugary breakbeats reach tweaky maximalist peaks. It's music that demands your attention, but for those who appreciate sensory overload, it can induce a state of heady relaxation.
Track Highlights
While each track on Cantu of the Sower offers its own unique chaos, standout moments include the opening track's hallucinatory guitar tide, the Fela Kuti-worthy hand percussion on the third track, and the closing track's warm, rushing brass. The album is a journey that rewards repeated listens, revealing new details with each spin.
Why It Stands Out
This isn't shitpost music, fidgeting for its own sake. Cantu of the Sower glows with wonder at its own abundance. The found-sound snippets of chatter ground the album in a sense of an observant musician full of love for his fellow man. A sample of civil rights activist Stokely Carmichael makes Obialo's mindset explicit: "I want my liberation more than I want anything else." It's a powerful statement that resonates throughout the album.
Comparison to Other Experimental Artists
| Artist | Similarities | Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Jpegmafia | Experimental production, genre-blending | Heavensouls incorporates more organic instrumentation |
| DJ Sabrina the Teenage DJ | Playful sampling, maximalist approach | Heavensouls' sound is more abrasive and noisy |
| Los Thuthanaka | Breakneck rhythms, chaotic structures | Heavensouls infuses more melody and warmth |
Key Takeaways
- Cantu of the Sower is a six-track album released via NTS Recordings on 7 October.
- Heavensouls is the project of 20-year-old Chidi Obialo, raised in Nigeria and now based in Texas.
- The album blends noise, breakbeats, brass, and found sounds into a chaotic yet beautiful whole.
- It's recommended for fans of Jpegmafia, DJ Sabrina the Teenage DJ, and Los Thuthanaka.
- The music is intense but can induce a state of relaxation for sensory freaks.
FAQ
What genre is Heavensouls' music?
Heavensouls' music is difficult to pin down, but it draws from experimental electronic, breakcore, noise, and even elements of jazz and world music. It's best described as a maximalist blend of chaotic sounds.
Where can I listen to Cantu of the Sower?
The album is available on major streaming platforms and was released via NTS Recordings. You can also find it on Bandcamp and other digital retailers.
Who is Chidi Obialo?
Chidi Obialo is the musician behind Heavensouls. He was raised in Nigeria and moved to the US at age seven. Now 20 years old, he is based between Biafra, Nigeria, and Texas, USA.