Tycho, “Infinite Health”
The good: American producer/multi-instrumentalist Scott Hansen releases his seventh album as Tycho.
The bad: There’s nothing all that distinct about “Health,” but it is a decent electronic-leaning set with a steady rhythmic flow.
The nitty gritty: Then again, I’m not sure if any Tycho record is supposed to stand out. Hansen’s music has always been about meditation, although this is not the groove you would hear during your next spa day. It’s not that down-tempo. Instead, the guy builds multilayered, somewhat melodic pieces where the synths receive gentle assistance from electric guitars and live drums. Yet these organic elements rarely take the spotlight. Consider them enhancements. Overall, “Health” seems more upbeat than usual. Cuts like “Phantom” and “Devices” are not quite club jams, but that potential is certainly there. Hanson claims the album is about physical, mental and even spiritual healing. Reflecting on the past is OK, but looking toward the future is more important. So the faster tempos could be an instrumental representation of boundless optimism. That works.
Buy it?: Sure.
Robert DeLong, “Playlist of Doom”
The good: Electronic artist Robert DeLong releases his fourth album (first since leaving Glassnote Records).
The bad: “Doom” is DeLong attempting a more straightforward pop set — perhaps too straight.
The nitty gritty: The elements that made the artist’s earlier records more memorable were the quirks. The guy wasn’t afraid to inject layered rhythms, off-kilter arrangements, vocal nonsense and other oddities into his pop/dance tracks. You never knew exactly where a jam was going. Those surprises are sorely missing from “Doom.” The songs are never allowed to get strange. This is a concise record; 10 tracks fly by in 30 minutes. DeLong rarely branches out beyond traditional structures. And while he’s certainly capable of churning out some wicked hooks, the playlist falls into a predictable rut. Better moments include the swaying “Deserve It All” and slightly sinister title cut. Actually, there isn’t an outright dud here. Sadly, there aren’t any absolute bangers either.
Buy it?: Your choice. We can only hope the next one is more beautifully bizarre.
Jamie xx, “In Waves”
The good: English musician/producer/DJ Jamie Thomas Smith releases his second solo effort as Jamie xx.
The bad: “Waves” isn’t as sonically adventurous as 2015’s “In Colour” but the record is still highly engaging and was definitely worth the wait.
The nitty gritty: “Colour” came out when the man’s main gig, the xx, were still actively making music. There hasn’t been a proper xx album since 2017 so the stakes are higher now; “Waves” is not necessarily seen as a side project. Yet Smith has been active all along, releasing stand-alone singles since 2020. “Waves” is an energetic set boasting a bevy of high-profile guests; people like Romy, Panda Bear, Robyn and the Avalanches. Everyone brings a unique spin to the proceedings while never overshadowing the creative flow of their host. No doubt about it, this is Smith’s show. That’s clearly evident in spaced-out yet beat-centric jams like “Still Summer” and “All You Children”; Smith created music that’s absolutely slamming and delightfully trippy at the same time. Not an easy task.
Buy it?: Definitely.
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