I have featured sync.records’ Timbhai and Isaac Roosevelt before, highlighting one of last year’s best tracks, which remains in heavy rotation at Discoholics Anon HQ. Now, sync.records is reaching its 100th release, marking a significant collaboration between the immensely talented producer Timbhai (Tim Bönigk) and Isaac Roosevelt.
Isaac Roosevelt is an American artist whose music blends the rich heritage of his Southern roots with diverse European influences. Born in the gospel-soaked South and later shaped by his time in Europe, Isaac’s journey – from church choirs to The Voice of Germany – has forged a unique blend of soulful traditions and modern sounds. His music bridges cultures, telling the story of a man who carries his home within him, no matter where his journey leads.
Timbhai is known for his ability to craft a thick, lush sonic tapestry that incorporates elements from House, Disco, Afro, and Funk, with releases on notable labels like Nervous and Quantize Records, as well as his own imprint, sync.records, based in Hamburg, Germany.
Juicy
“HOME” opens the four-track EP, taking listeners on a journey through the heart’s most sacred longings. At its core, the track is a soulful meditation on the universal desire for a place of refuge – a sanctuary where the weight of the world can be momentarily set aside. Musically, it’s a delicate fusion of smooth R&B rhythms with a hint of Country/Western, serving as a vessel for this emotional pilgrimage. The blend of genres reflects the deep, almost primal, yearning that homesickness evokes—a pull that transcends cultural boundaries and musical styles.
The inspiration behind “HOME” is deeply rooted in Roosevelt’s life as a perpetual wanderer. Living abroad and feeling like an “eternal tourist,” he navigates the tension between displacement and the fierce desire for freedom. This conflict echoes throughout the song, interweaving the soulful melancholy of R&B with the defiant energy of hip hop, the accessibility of pop, and the grounding warmth of Country/Western. Each genre contributes to a rich, textured soundscape that mirrors the complexity of longing for a place to call home.
“Let Me Hold You” shares the same longing and soulful depth as its predecessors but stays within the intimate embrace of R&B’s rich legacy. The track evokes the golden era of Motown, serving as a bridge between past and present, where timeless R&B grooves meet modern sensibilities. Roosevelt’s vocals glide effortlessly, carrying a vulnerability that feels both personal and universal, while Timbhai’s production provides a lush, enveloping backdrop that enhances the track’s emotional resonance.
“Sing” is a slow-burning ballad that invites you into a world where time seems to stretch and the air grows thick with emotion. It dials back the tempo, allowing each note to linger like a whispered secret, while Roosevelt’s voice casts long, shadowy echoes that dance through the song. The track is a meditation on the power of the human voice, stripped of pretense and laid bare, becoming a conduit for the soul’s deepest longings.
This, for me, is the strongest on the EP, resonating with its jazzed up Motown vibe, with hints of Trip Hop and R&B.
“Strong,” premiered last week on SoundCloud, brings the EP to a triumphant close. It’s a powerful, glittering disco ball of a song, radiating energy and joy as it spins in a kaleidoscope of sound. The strumming rhythm guitar and sophisticated strings intertwine with Roosevelt’s most jubilant vocals, praising the enduring power of love. Timbhai’s dazzling production creates a soundscape that is both lush and invigorating, making “Strong” a final, exultant note in an EP that leaves listeners uplifted and fulfilled.
Together, Roosevelt and Timbhai have crafted a body of work that not only honors their roots but also pushes the boundaries of their artistry, offering a rich, emotional experience that lingers long after the music fades. This EP is a testament to the unbreakable bond between music, emotion, and the human spirit.
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