Towkio's '.Wav Theory' Takes Over The Metro This Saturday

By Justin Freeman in Arts & Entertainment on May 14, 2015 5:40PM

Savemoney has very quickly become a sign of quality. From Chance the Rapper’s Acid Rap to Leather Corduroy’s Season, most of the things they’ve released so far have been consistently very good. Towkio’s latest mixtape, .wav theory, is no exception.

.wav theory opens with decadent smoothness as Towkio croons like Frank Ocean over a Mount Kimbie inspired beat. Towkio’s love affair for all sorts of genres such as U.K. garage, footwork and even minimalism and jazz is made apparent throughout his mixtape. Current wunderkind Kaytranada produces several songs including the Vic Mensa-featuring summer jam, “Get Involved” while “God in Me” is driven by juke inspired drum patterns.

The album title, .wav theory, appears to be both a love letter to our digitalized culture and a nod to actual wave theory. Towkio describes this project as “a concept album revolving the idea that energies travel in waves. These waves are invisible yet tangible and surround us at all times.”

As I listened to “Oscillate” and wrapped up the mixtape, I noticed that the mixtape’s artwork looks kind of like Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures but different enough to stand on its own. I think this subtle variation of a completely ubiquitous design plays into his concept:“These waves are invisible yet tangible and surround us at all times.” Listen to a stream of the mixtape below.

Towkio will bring his .wav theory to Metro this Saturday. Opening for Towkio is Teklife’s DJ Spinn, whose tribute to the late DJ Rashad was arguably one of the best things to happen at Pitchfork Festival last year. I recommend getting there early.

Towkio performs with DJ Spinn and Kahlani this Saturday, May 16, at the Metro, 3730 N. Clark St. This is an all ages show. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. $18 advance / $21 day of, all ages