Free-floating. Inspired. Multi-layered. Al Pagoda’s debut Lucky Veil for Bigamo certainly was many different things, but, above all, a highly impressive sleeper album that offered something new with each and every listening. It also felt a bit dizzy and lonely, but maybe that’s what’s happening when you relocate yourself to Berlin as an artist during the cold season. Four years later, many of these characteristics still remain intact, but the sonic identity of Al Pagoda has evolved: the feeling of solitude made room for something way bigger, precise, and ambitious sounding. This transformation is shaped by the creative partnership with German producer Berend Intelmann, whose rhythmic expertise has become integral to their shared musical vision. Together, the two artists continue to push boundaries. Their new EP, In Roam, is a clear reflection of this collaboration. It’s the result of countless improvised live sessions with Intelmann, with whom Pagoda already shared studios, projects, and stages in the past. The addition of dancer turned model turned singer turned future superstar Vinson Fraley, who was introduced to their musical cosmos through a mutual friend, came very natural, since it felt like the missing puzzle piece to elevate this project to a different level. The four tracks on display might take cues from quite a few genres once again, but every turn—regardless of how unexpected—ends up being the exact right one as they never fail to emotionally involve the listener. Limited vinyl includes Instrumental versions. Artwork by liyawen.love Mitwirkende