Relaxicorn releases Cozy Beats 1
The Chillest producer in Switzerland, Relaxicorn (real name Anton, or “Tony”), just dropped his first major release of the year a 10 track album of original cozy beats featuring collabs from Dreamverse, Nicklaus Lindale, KahWah, Chris Moody, Chad Pabianek, and myself (Lofi Cody).
Summary
Cozy Beats 1 showcases Relaxicorn’s classic lofi style while also displaying a diverse range of influences. The theme of this album in my mind is “switch up”. You’re never really sure where the beat is going to go and because of this, each track tells a unique story. This album really feels like the start of a new era for Relaxicorn and I look forward to hearing Cozy Beats 2, 3 and onward. If you’re a fan of both true old school lo-fi chill beats and of progressive and experimental downtempo, this is an album you need to check out. Find links to stream it after the track-by-track below.
1. Dazed
The album opens strong with a certified head bobber. The vocal and brass samples are a really nice touch that I wouldn’t typically expect from Relaxicorn but they really elevate this track and make it memorable.
2. Distant Echoes – with Dreamverse
The mallet keys are a nice feature for this one and the syncopated hat pattern with the pauses add a lot of life and movement to the track.I think I can hear some VGM soundtrack influence coming through in the melody here. Ending with a screamy guitar solo that’s been muted and lofied was really unexpected but a super unique touch and a nice climactic moment for the track
3. Sunset Serenade – with Nicklaus Lindale
I love the gentle groove of the bass on this one, the sound of a bass guitar always hits the perfect balance of adding some movement and live while maintaining chill and subdued in a lofi track. The organ/keys towards the end of this track add a really cool indie movie soundtrack vibe that I’m here for.
4. Lullaby with a Jazy Twist – with KahWah
The Rhodes melody really hits the spot on this one for a perfect somber/nostalgic lullaby sound. The guitar (banjo?) strums add another level to this. The whole track feels very “enchanted forest” to me.
5. Evening Strums – with Chris Moody and Nicklaus Lindale
I was really surprised by this track which seems like a bit of a departure from Relaxicorns typical lofi hiphop song for more of a straight soundtrack vibe with some really raw sounding drums.
6. Pulse of the Funk – with Lofi Cody
Anton started making this track as an entry into an L.Dre beat making contest but felt he hit a wall after laying down the keys and the foundational drums. So I asked him to sauce me the stems, added some extra percussion, and a super funky bass line and the end result is a pretty fine beat, if I may say so myself.
7. Concrete Jungle – with Nicklaus Lindale
This might be my favourite track on the album with a culmination of all of the cool elements we’ve heard so far. Some bouncy drums with super unique atmospheric percussion, a groovy bassline, the brass leads and your classic rhodes piano sounds. The track definitely brings to mind an image of looking out the bus window, headphones on and not a care in the world, as you transit through a bustling city. Concrete Jungle was an apt name for this beat.
8. Trippy Strings – with Chad Pabianek
The intro keys and the delayed snare give this track some 80s flair. Once again the bassline really brings it home. I’m not sure what exactly “trippy strings” refers to, but this track definitely has a daydream quality to it.
9. Winter Promenade – with Nicklaus Lindale
Relaxicorn and Nickalus really flex some arranging skills as an extended cinematic intro builds into a lazy walking bass line and swaying drum beat. Add some detuned pitch drifting keys and it all creates a sort of beautiful discord much like the beauty and chaos in a snow storm.
10. This winter was just way too cold
Relaxicorn wraps up the album with a solo track and another winter inspired beat. The mix on this one is particularly smooth. The keys and the bass laydown a soft blanket for your ears over which the koto-like instrument has an opportunity to sing.