Return To The 37th Chamber is El Michels Affair’s follow up to 2009’s underground cult classic Enter the 37th Chamber.
This time, in addition to re-interpreting the Wu compositions for a live band, EMA pays homage to the production and sonic fog that makes a RZA beat so recognizable. Producer and bandleader Leon Michels recorded the album completely analog, sometimes hitting 6 generations of tape before it was ready for mixing, giving the Return to The 37th Chamber it’s own hazy sound. Adding to the unique fidelity, the record is laced with psychedelic flourishes, “John Carpenter” synths, heavy metal guitars, triumphant horns, and traditional Chinese instruments that make up for the lack of the Wu’s superlative vocals. From start to finish it’s a dark trip that walks the line between RZA’s timeless hip-hop aesthetic and the cinematic soul EMA has become known for.
The vinyl version of Return To The 37th Chamber is presented with 4 different hand painted covers. The originals were painted on two sewn together flour sacks in Accra, Ghana by Heavy J and Stoger, two artists who are legends in the Ghanaian Mobile Cinema scene and regular contributors to the Deadly Prey Gallery’s collection in Chicago.
RIYL: Wu Tang, Khruangbin, Badbadnotgood
Tracklisting
- 4th Chamber
- Iron Man
- Shaolin Brew
- Pork Chop Express
- Snakes
- Drums For Sale
- Shadow Boxing
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Sipped Up
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Tearz
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Verbal Intercourse
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Wu-Tang Clan Aint Nuthing Ta F' Wit
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All I Need
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The End (Eat My Vocals)