Chronicles of New Horizons is a 10-track project from producer/DJ Teru Okada under the alias Da Outreka. The producer brings forth a refreshing and experimental album that threads breakbeats, lofi-soul and a blend of retro and modern jazz music with a touch of turntablism as well.

 The introductory track “Let’s get Futuristic” gets things going with layered and dynamic production styles. It starts with a scratch routine that leads into a crunchy drum break underpinned by distorted bass lines and moody tones. This continues for some minutes before a piano-led breakdown and sublime guitar licks come into play. The title is like a play on the futuristic theme as the retro lofi aesthetic brings it closer to the past than the future but the icing on the cake is the progressive arrangement that continues to add different musical elements till the last minute. Also on the track is the vocal sample of rapper/lyricist ANTI CALM. “We Were Once Children- Remix” is an aspirational and reflective tune that explores growth and the passage of time from a nostalgic lens. Backed by a rich, jazzy piano arrangement, the emcee Krowen the Unknown shares some interesting thoughts on childhood, adulthood, fatherhood, and the intersection that connects them all.

“Organ Grinder’s Time Machine” is a bouncy breakbeat that BBoys and BGirls would love. Inspired by the film Break Beaters. which follows the story of young people in East Germany grappling with their passion for breakdancing, Da Outreka recreates the tension of 80s Germany with an urgent soundscape comprising solemn pads, soaring violins and rousing drum grooves that are perfect for breakdancers across the globe. On “Cualquier Lugar Es El Centro Del Mundo” and “The Spaces We Don’t Speak Of”, Da Outreka brings out the big guns and crafts genre-bending and off-beat pieces. The former features rapper Emci Rimas whose warm and commanding flow seamlessly goes with the solemn piano-laden backdrop. The latter is an atmospheric, lofi experimenatl track ripe with rich bass guitar arrangements, and atmospheric pads with downtempo drums to complete the job. “Amor Habrá- remix” is a collaboration with Emci Rimas who once again steps to the podium with excellent and insightful raps laced with a touch of bravado. The production is hard to define as Da Outreka takes elements from soul, breakbeat and contemporary sounds to create a layered tapestry of sounds that evoke nostalgia. A similar wave of emotions is felt on the subsequent tracks. The aptly titled “Leaving” comes with solemn guitar licks, bright horns and a layered sound design that soars to a plateau as the chorus comes in while “Unfulfilling” feels like a trip down memory lane with its soft hushed grooves, prevalent bass guitar and lush textures. The fun doesn’t end there, and audiences are treated to a brilliant jazz standard right in the middle of the track.

The last two tracks are a testament to  Da Outreka’s knack for pushing the musical boundaries with an unprecedented approach. “A New Beginning” recruits musician Mia Kennedi who provides the hook with a sultry and laidback flow while  Da Outreka’ ethereal soundscape gently engulfs her vocals. The result is soul-stirring, blissful and relaxing. This leads into the final track “Eternal Echoes of Us,” which I consider a slow burn, lofi track. It starts with just reflective piano riffs and slowly soars into a plateau as the bass-driven drums come into play alongside the organ chords.  The best part is when the sad horns start playing, reminding us that we have come to the end of the project with a bittersweet feeling.

Overall Chronicles of New Horizons, is an interesting body of work that captures different snapshots of Da Outreka’s layered production style.