Following on from Grammy Award-nominated Lune Rouge was not an easy mission for Los Angeles producer and Young Art label boss-babe, TOKiMONSTA. Moving strength to strength throughout her career and personal life, with her triumphant battle with Moyamoya in which she underwent two brain surgeries and temporarily lost her ability to understand music, TOKiMONSTA unveils a fully evolved beast with Oasis Nocturno.
The Spanish title meaning ‘midnight oasis’, Oasis Nocturno is fierce; it’s strong and it is capable in essence, and a real showcase of TOKiMONSTA’s fighting spirit. But realistically TOKiMONSTA has conjured a serene haven in the dark night. Through hypnotic, elevating synths, heavy keys and shuffling beats, Oasis Nocturno is a mode of transportation away from the chaos of the day. As always, TOKiMONSTA is collaboration heavy on her fourth full-length album. Recruiting Bibi Bourelly and Jean Deaux for fresh rnb piece ‘One Day’, Drew Love and Dumbfoundead for the Anderson Paak reminiscent ‘Get Me Some’, Sunni Colón for ‘Phases’, VanJess on ‘Come and Go’ and Rosehardt on ‘Higher Hopes’, TOKiMONSTA turns up the flavour. The standout, however, comes in the form of the lead single, ‘Fried For The Night’ featuring EARTHGANG, with its stellar grooves and spitting lyrics.
Oasis Nocturno is fluid and exceptionally structured with delicately balanced ebbs and flows, gliding through each track without any ripples. The TOKiMONSTA beast was awoken with Luna Rouge but Oasis Nocturno see TOKiMONSTA roar!
Oasis Nocturno is released March 20 via TOKiMONSTA Music
4 Stars
Reviewed By Tammy Walters