Review: Inspired, an invigorating and refined second album by South Australian musician Okami

Okami’s second album, Inspired, is an elegant and atmospheric collection of electronic & downtempo music. Featuring ten tracks by the South Australian artist, who is an engineering student by day and DJ-come-music- producer by night, this gem was most likely mixed late at night between university assignments. It is refreshing, perfect to unwind to, and sure to what it sets out to do: inspire and energise people.

A far cry from his debut video-game inspired album, Super Okami World, Inspired is a refined display of Okami’s many talents.

There’s something for everyone in this album, yet it is diverse enough to set the mood almost anywhere. Some stand out tracks include ‘Slow Down’, an ear-worm worthy mix that I can only describe as a fat bop, and ‘This Could Be Something’: a song that summer nights were made for.

This album has been a few years in the making, yet it is eerily relevant. Other tracks include ‘Coming Back Round’, ‘The Way It Is’, and ‘Never Be Alone’. One might draw countless parallels between these titles and the impending second wave of coronavirus, but Inspired will make you forget to worry.

Okami maintains a rather nebulous presence online. There are dribs of information here and there, perhaps a blank Triple J page or empty feed. This embodies what he does best: creating music for the sheer joy of it and sharing that joy with others unconditionally.

We’re not sure where Okami will go next. But if Inspired is anything to go by, it’s clear wherever he ends up won’t be boring.

You can stream Inspired on Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud or buy it via this link.

Review by Jordan White