Album Review: Cisco Adler’s ‘Aloha EP’

Cisco Adler, who you may have grown to know as the guy singing with rapper Shwayze (Buzzin, Corona & Lime), has just released the Aloha EP, a super-summer chilled out collection of six tracks.

The former frontman of the band Whitestarr has made a name for himself making upbeat summer tunes that are about as stress-inducing as a plate of chocolate chip cookies. Lots of his creations carry similar production styles as each song was made with leisure and relaxation in mind. Ultimately, Adler gives the listener a taste of the good life without bragging.

A Cisco Adler track usually features an obvious island feel with guitar plucks, calming vocals, and a groovy California instrumentation. Being that he is the head of Bananabeat Records, it only makes sense that he has full control over every track on this EP.

“You’re A Fool” is the perfect lead track. Guitar strums and harmonious accompaniments float through the air as Adler starts us off with a song about morals and perspectives without becoming cliché in the least bit. He sings, “You know that diamond in your watch well that’s just a rock / And all those bottles you be buying ain’t never gonna hit the spot / You look like you ain’t tryin’ / But you tryin’ too hard.” Truer words rarely are spoken.

He says in the standout track “Classic,” “I like to bump good tunes / Chill ‘til the sun turns into a moon.” The simple, soothing beat hits the brain and has an immediate therapeutic effect as if it were a cool breeze on a perfect sunny afternoon in Cali. I love it.

Adler recruits blogosphere-regular G Eazy on “Boom Boom Boom,” a riddling track depicting a party scene where the singers try to pickup chicks. Sounds like some archetypal summer livin’ to me. It’s not as soothing as other tracks, but the enhanced reggae sound is a nice change up from the lazy beach songs.

“Sunshine or Rain” is an infectiously chill track. Adler is at the mercy of a girl as he announces, “You and I go together sunshine or rain.” Again, I find a track here that requires little effort to actually listen to. This chorus will be stuck in your head for days on end, and let me tell you, that’s not a bad thing at all.

This collection of songs uproots any lingering doubts I ever had about Adler’s sometimes-lazy flow. I realize it’s all apart of who he is and the way he lives. He has a way of getting down to the simplicities of life without sounding like a hippie or a pothead. For that, I consider myself a fan. If you’re looking for a wave of cool refreshing air on a sultry summer afternoon, then look no further than Cisco Adler’s Aloha EP. Pick it up as soon as you can.