wick-lost77

Not for me at all. I can see the craft but it does absolutely nothing for me.

This is the kind of album that makes you reconsider your entire relationship with music. I thought I knew what this genre could do, and then this came along and expanded the boundaries so far that everything before it sounds slightly incomplete in comparison. Bold statement, I know, but I stand by it. The production is absolutely jaw-dropping. There are textures here that I've never heard on any other record. But what really makes it work is that all that sonic experimentation is in service of genuine emotion. It never feels like showing off. Every choice, no matter how unconventional, feels emotionally motivated. That's mastery.

I can see why this has its fans but it just doesn't connect with me the way their other work does. The songwriting feels less inspired and the production, while technically impressive, feels a bit sterile. A few standout moments keep it from being a total miss.

There are about six really good songs here buried in an album that's twelve tracks too long. The edit would be excellent but as presented, it's a patience-testing listen that rewards skipping around.

There are about six really good songs here buried in an album that's twelve tracks too long. The edit would be excellent but as presented, it's a patience-testing listen that rewards skipping around.