Friday, December 18, 2015

SOUND & COLOR: THE ALBUMS, 2015.


15/hudson mohawke/lantern

Lantern operates at one level: STADIUM STATUS. Things begin modestly with a faint whisper of a voice announcing and introducing our master of ceremonies, H. Mohawke. Then the smoke clears, a few bells ring, and the music aims for the rafters and folks in the cheap seats/way in the back, and never lets up. Lantern is a stupendous beast of a record from the Scottish DJ/electronic music duo TNGHT member and frequent Kanye West collaborator that is largely informed by each of those roles and collaborations. The DJ in him makes this record immaculately sequenced and curated while his work with TNGHT colors the proceedings with bass heavy, hip hop infused block rocking beats. The never ending onslaught of blistering, ass shaking rhythms no matter the speed is also reminiscent of the approach and atmosphere present on his work with Kanye on Yeezus. Like the best tracks on that one, Hudson's Lantern is the dank warehouse after party that goes on well into the night (or til the break of dawn) to the fancy dress cocktail soiree that was Daft Punk's Random Access Memories. It's a gritty yet accessible collection that is not afraid to go big, get loud, and show off, asking you to get your back up off the wall, twerk somethin', or shake what ya mama gave ya til the music stops. Gives you no choice actually. So go on and surrender, and embrace the light. 
 
KEY TRACKS: very first breath/ryderz/scud books 
 
 
 
 



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