| Daedelus' world is one of fantasy and wonder. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he gets his kicks on quirk and imagination, rather than fat beats and bangin' grooves. On his latest, Exquiste Corpse, Daedelus takes on several collaborations, injecting his playful sound with live vocals and rapping. Though the Southland producer, technically, makes dance music, hearing emcees alongside his oddball samples seems somewhat idiosyncratic and a bit out of place. Hell, if it were done poorly, it could even become embarrassing. But, clearly it isn't here. Despite guest spots by MF Doom and Sci, among others, Daedelus' style hasn't been compromised. It may not have the same magic as his instrumental work, but that isn't to say that there isn't a fair amount of trademark Daedelus material. Daedelus' choice of guests works out in his favor, as each one lends a unique element to the equation. MF Doom in particular offers one of his trademark goofball rhymes: "Y'all don't know the same Daedelus I know / Just to earn trust he try to make me bust a wino / He said don't worry / He already dead and stinkin' / Attacked him with a machete / He said why you still blinkin'." Sci's rhyming on "Move On" is far subtler by comparison. "Now & Sleep" is much more in line with Daedelus' typical material, dreamy and strange, as Laura Darling offers a lullaby vocal performance. And glitch-hop superstar Prefuse 73 adds his trademark electro squeals to "Welcome Home." The real highlights are the Daedelus' lone tracks, though. "Dearly Departed" opens the record with the same mystical fun that made Of Snowdonia so enjoyable. "The Crippled Hand" is noisier by comparison, while "Fallen Love" is an odd mix of strings and stuttering beats. And the one-minute "The Trains Are Now So Clean" mashes up b-boy styles with plinky piano melodies. - Treble Zine |
1XLP/Out Of Print