Comments (1) ... Lodekka, once a brand of double-decker bus used around the UK, is now the pseudonym of Stuart Dace whose self-titled debut EP "Lodekka", with only four songs on it, seems perhaps like an experiment. If it is, it's a successful one. While Lodekka's sound has jazz in its soul, the sound close to Stuart's heart is that of the islands, and dub specifically.

1. Yes Mr. B
2. Happy Snapper
3. Danger On the Shore
4. Mean Times Part 1

"Yes Mr. B" combines melodica, bass, and beats. Though you might find the melodic patterns are repeated a little too much, it's still a pleasant tune. "Happy Snapper" has a strummed ukulele out front, backed by a clarinet, bass, beats, and a woman's voice repeating the word "snap" to support the rhythm. It switches between an old timey sound (thanks to the uke) and electronica.

"Danger On The Shore" begins with a jazzy bass line which introduces mysterious and muted clarinet. "Mean Times, Part 1" brings back the strummed ukulele with the bass and melodica.

This project has a pleasing, quirky ambience rooted in dub rhythms that should appeal to most listeners. The only downside is that is just barely over fifteen minutes long. On the other hand, (at the moment) you can preview the whole EP from Dace's MySpace site. Hopefully this debut will get enough positive recognition to inspire Dace to do more with Lodekka.

~ Dave Howell

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