Cagri Raydemir – Black Or White (2023)
In the early 90s, the music scene was growing, evolving and entering a new world of grunge, alternative rock and pop-rock, and Cagri Raydemir was there to see it. Born in the early 80s, Cagri Raydemir embraced the music world as a teenager by listening to iconic artists and picking up a guitar. After playing with various bands, he began concentrating on a solo project – and this is where we are now. For over a decade, the Germany-based singer-songwriter has released music and entertained a global audience. The latest addition to his discography is the EP Black Or White.
To date, Raydemir has released 12 albums and 6 EPs with Black Or White being the most recent. Following the well-received EP Shortage of Identity, Black Or White is a four-track EP produced by Raydemir. A multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer-songwriter, this naturally talented individual captures the essence of the DIY approach. Yet, while he is at the core of each track, musicians Julian Hesse (trumpet) and Salih Korket Peker (cümbüs) make guest appearances.
Retaining the heaviness of his previous material with a palpable grittiness, Black Or White opens with ‘Canary In A Coal Mine’. Guitar-driven with a light tinge of sparkling notes atop a deeper bass, the song lifts your head and piques your interest from the get-go. Moving to ‘Undeniable Manifestation’, a more melancholic melody pushes forward. Distorted in its arrangement as Hesse’s trumpet enhances a sense of vulnerability with its solo.
After the first two tracks, any listener would find themselves wallowing in a sonic mire with darkness wrapped around your body. Yet, just as you believe you are to be pulled into a wormhole of music, ‘False Certainty’ picks you up with the Turkish cümbüs adding an Indian-inspired eclectic tone to the track. Beautifully layered and textured, drums and guitars belie Salih Korket Peker’s cümbüs; however, a merging of Raydemir’s guitar brings home a harmonic stringed melody. Ending with ‘Justifiable Hands To Play’, Raydemir demonstrates further eclecticism shifting from grunge and alt-rock to a blues-inspired song.
One element I find intriguing in Black Or White is the obscurity of Raydemir’s vocals. In each track, there is a depth and haunting despite his voice not being the prominent feature. Vulnerability courses through the simplistic vocal execution so you have something to lift your soul but also make you feel quite uncomfortable.
So, what is my overall opinion of Black Or White? Disturbed, disconcerting, dark and mildly depressing, the EP tosses you into a black hole. Yet, this obscurity and discomfort are what makes Black Or White enjoyable. A kaleidoscopic blaze of emotions blasts through the tracks capturing your spirit and ensnaring your senses. I highly recommend it!
For more from Cagri Raydemir, check out his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
