(Anticon/Stomp)

Sound collages transcend the constraints of genre and time.

I can tell when a release is good, because (a) it takes me a month to get around to reviewing it, and (b) I’ve long since lost the press release at a party somewhere. Now, while Son Lux (AKA Ryan Lott) isn’t exactly a party starter, the newest Anticon signee is a stunning writer, performer and producer, which provides a great many moments you feel compelled to share. His debut record commands a slew of trip-hop beats, contrasted with waves of hazy, rhythmic samples. Electronic blips and pulses are complemented by strangely fitting baroque instrumentation, while Lott sings in a tastefully minimal, yet deeply bitter manner. His soundscapes become a constantly evolving pastiche of synthesised rhythm sounds juxtaposed against the melodic motifs of classical instruments. While this can be slightly trying at times, the songs are short and remarkably varied, and the record never once really drags. It’s interesting that such a dissimilar set of sounds can hold a vibe so easily, but I guess that’s the point. The theme is that of an exquisite sound collage – a transcendence of genre and era – and Son Lux articulates it perfectly.

JAKEB SMITH

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