Deantoni Parks is a unique kind of musician because he primarily focuses on rhythm rather than any kind of chords or melody. However, to make things further unusual he plays his drums with one hand while sampling with another. The result is his new single “Our Shadows” (which can be listened to below via SoundCloud), which is on his upcoming album “Technoself” out on December 14th via Leaving Records/Stone’s Throw.
“Our Shadows” showcases Parks’s talents in full – showing off just how well he can multi-task with two entirely different musical implements simultaneously. Much of the track keeps the same vibe, but here and there the sampling helps keep it from getting too repetitive and monotonous. Stereogum goes further into detail on Parks saying:
Deantoni Parks is first and foremost a drummer, and he’s provided percussion for artists like John Cale, Sade, the Mars Volta, Flying Lotus, and more. But Technoself is the result of Parks’ focus on how his rhythms manifest in solo work, and he frequently plays drums with one hand while working a sampler with the other. Parks manipulates all his rhythms and beats live, a feat that almost has to be seen to be believed. If you need that proof, take a look here.
Parks’s work really is a sight to behold and fascinating to listen to. It’s anyone’s guess where his creative direction may go.
