ALBUM REVIEW: Tekno - "Old Romance"

3 years ago

ALBUM REVIEW: Tekno - "Old Romance"

Nigerian music producer, singer, dancer and songwriter, Augustine Miles Kelechi popularly known as Tekno comes through with his debut studio album "Old Romance"

Tekno takes the bold step, he's evidently riding on the phrase "better late than never" to unlock a melodious body of work with experimental sounds as well as popular dancehall sounds like Amapiano. The 14-Track solo-performed album is supported by his recent single "Enjoy". The album was released on December 10, 2020, eight years after Tekno kick-started his career.

"Old Romance" was produced by Spax, Tekno, Selebobo, Killertunes, Benjamz, and Masterkraft. The Cartek Music boss and Universal Music recording artist merge Afro-pop, Amapiano, Pop and Afro-fusion, Gqom music genres in his first music project. The art direction is charming and his decision to push himself to a different realm in songs like 'Uptown Girl', 'Designer', and 'Mistakes' is applaudable.

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The first track "Sku Sku" was produced by Killertunes. It has an unpopular beat but performed with popular melodies and lines like 'Twinkle Twinkle' derived from the famous 'twinkle twinkle little star' poem.
"Tumbo" is street slang for palm wine. The melody in this tune is spiritual. Tekno takes us back to his good old days when he made dancehall music effortlessly. The lovely tune had amazing chords that accompanied the groovy drum kicks. "Tumbo" is arguably the hottest jam on this body of work.
Tekno links up with MasterKraft in an up-tempo funky afrobeat tune tagged "Uptown Girl".
Just as expected, Tekno gives us a classic performance in an unvarying instrumental tagged "Catalia".
"Addicted" by Tekno brings back memories. It is a typical well structured Tekno vibe with much emphasis on the beat than the lyrics. Though there were so many repetitions on the lyrical lines, Tekno gave us another potential hit song in "Addicted".
In a slow-tempo tune that combined rhythm and blues with pop, electronic, and afrobeat elements, Tekno renders an unusual performance in "Designer".
"Family Issue" by Tekno was produced by Spax. It talks about being in love with a woman but your parents disapprove of her. Tekno tries to engage his fans by asking them what they would do in such a situation. It's a lovely tune.
The next track "In Love" is equally produced by Spax. The groovy tune was exceptionally performed by Tekno who carefully laid his vocals on this melodic tune.
"Neighbour" is the only Amapiano tune on this body of work. Tekno tries to adopt the South African melody to create a magical experience for his fans.
Benjamz otherwise known as Ill Beatz and Tekno links up to give us an irregular tune tagged "Armageddon".
Blaise Beatz and Tekno have always made magic when they hit the studio. "Dana" is a typical Tekno song that is one of the many results of a Blaise and Tekno studio session.
Just as expected, Tekno includes his thunderous hit single released days before the album was premiered tagged "Enjoy". The reoccurring piano tune made it even spiritual.
"Ugly Parade" could be considered as a typical afrobeat performed by Fela in the '70s. It has those alluring saxophone tunes familiar with the Fela brand.
The outro of this body of work produced by Benjamz is something we never saw coming. Tekno surprisingly did magic in a trap sound in "Mistakes".