Samon Kawamura is a half German half Japanese hip-hop producer whose heritage involves support slots for Guru’s Jazzmataz and production for german jazz impresarios Till Bronner and Roberto di Gioia. His debut album ‘Translations’ showcases his own sound, which , errr translates, as cinematic widescreen instrumental hip-hop. ‘Translations’ showcases the depth of the genre acutely, forging an atmospheric and emotional soundscape dripping with sentiment throughout. The cuts here are mainly introspective numbers, infused with a laidback jazzy sensibility that underpins the groves mellifously throughout. The production standards are excellent, lending a beautiful yet at times sinisterly bleak outlook, ‘Aaragon’, utilising a weaving snyth line, demonstrates this superbly whilst the jazzy keys of ‘How long?’ elevate it above the procession. But despite all this, it lacks that gritty manifesto which can really transform the art; there’s no great edge or drama which works so well in the masters of the art (‘Endtroducing’ stand up). Whilst there is a haunting melancholy at work, some of the more pared down cuts are just screaming for an emcee to let rip over them. Maybe pairing Kawamura with an artist as verbally sensitive as Common would allow his work to breathe more, but as debut offering, his works stands up well and reeks of promise.