flueres: 2015

travel

As the sweater-draped winter months grow ever closer (or not, in the case of any country perspiring the December monsoon season away), funky summer beats are switched out in favour of warm, laid-back autumn synth, smooth layers of mellow acoustics permeating the sub-tropical air with a cocooning comfort, the cure to any case of early frostbite.

NOTE: For a constantly updated list of what I’m listening to, visit my music masterlist page!

ARTIST 001 - CHILLED/ELECTRONICA - DREAM KOALA

Mesmerising, minimal tunes—much akin to the limbo between consciousness and sleep—weave together deep, rhythmic pulse and melancholic, echoing notes in Yndi Ferreira’s distinctive masterpieces, constructing entire dimensions of hypnotic beats bound by cascading melodies. The Paris-native’s steady climb to recognition was an organic partnership of his passion and musical flare, the lack of a formal music education proving to have no adverse effect on his success. Rather, it translated to the raw, honest fervour evident in the tidal flux of each individual track. From the laid-back rapture of his first EP “Blur” (2012) to the reflective intensity of “Earth. Home. Destroyed” (2014), Dream Koala has maintained its unique vibe and appeal while showcasing Ferreira’s stylistic progression over the past 3 years from fresh-faced talent to a master of his craft.

TOP TRACKS:

Roofies / Blur-EP / 2012

Taken off the debut EP released by Dream Koala, this track is an embodiment of the artist’s skilful flare for catchy tunes that draw new listeners in with avidity, creating intrigue through futuristic synth samples meshing wonderfully into a chill-out masterpiece. Explorative rhythms juxtapose smooth, melodic riffs and synths blanketing the listener with dreamlike waves of warmth and comfort.

LIVE

Odyssey / Single / 2013

An echoing beat signifies the start of the track, the simple but essential foundation that strings together the ambient electronic guitar that springs up shortly after, followed by a transfixing vocal that acts in tandem with the other instrumentals without overpowering them. As layers are slowly added into the mix, I lose track of separate samples, the track becoming a homogenous blend of dark and delicate, the repetitive simplicity of the work both compelling and emotive.

Saturn Boy / Home. Earth. Destroyed / 2014

Debatably Dream Koala’s magnum opus to date, this track off his most recent record veers from the idiosyncrasy of his previous works, instead choosing to begin with a lone melancholic vocal and a reverb-heavy electronic guitar that gives way to echoing drum beats, emphasising the tension building with simple, repeated lyrical genius, overlapping spatial electronics painting a faraway dimension of wistful reminiscence and solitude.

LIVE (+EARTH)

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, by ali.k

food

melbourne meandering

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, by ali.k

food

fresh fruits lab

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, by ali.k

food

tanuki raw

Ever since my first passing glance at the unobtrusive wood panelled interior of this restaurant turned standing bar, I've constantly yearned to venture past the glass entrance of this tucked away food haven, and into the tastefully decorated space, which also extends into a breezy outdoor balcony fitted with additional seating overlooking the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road.

To celebrate the midweek of work attachment, a friend and I hit the lighted walkways of the main shopping district, making a beeline for-- of course-- Tanuki Raw Bar, with empty stomachs and high anticipation. Passing a nod of acknowledgement to the tanuki (badger in Japanese) squinting at me from the front of house, I finally take my first steps inside, the buzz of early diners merely a muted hum around me. I opt to sit by the outdoor balcony, seeing as it's a relatively cool evening (or as cool as tropical June heat could be). To my right, a bartender mixes drinks with frantic shakes and a practiced pour. The rush of vehicles seems faraway despite only being a couple of floors below. Since Tanuki is known for its fusion style creations, we choose one side (Garlic and spam fries), Tanuki Aburi-- torched salmon and scallop with mentaiko on yuzu dressing, and Truffle Yakiniku. We order as quickly as possible, and food is served within 10 minutes, surprisingly and pleasantly quick.

Here is a food overview of everything we ate; I particularly liked the way they took care in presenting their food, synonymous with the Japanese emphasis on the importance of presentation.

The garlic fries (top) are slightly disappointing in flavour, but the spam fries (bottom) still provide a satisfying crunch and a burst of its signature saltiness.

The truffle yakiniku paired a perfectly cooked onsen egg with melt-in-your-mouth beef that was just right-- marbled and juicy without being nauseatingly fatty. The rice seemed lacklustre in comparison, taking a flavour-backseat in the dish.

This was, in my opinion, the best dish of the three. Tanuki truly nailed their fusion style, combining vibrant flavours that presented themselves as individuals without being overbearing to the palate. The salmon was fresh with a smooth texture, complemented by the cream surrounding it. I hold high standards for scallop dishes, and this one surpassed the mark, providing a slightly seared taste brought forward by the tangy hint of yuzu dressing.

I'm definitely looking forward to the next time I can return to this place, hopefully for something new to entice me further.

Tanuki Raw Bar

http://tanukibar.com/

181 Orchard Road
#02-03 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896