Two years on from his preceding collection ‘Interludes After Midnight’, this sixth album from NYC-based producer Blockhead (real name Tony Simon) ‘Bells & Whistles’ sees him eschewing labels completely in favour of self-releasing it as a download (though there’s apparently a vinyl edition to follow in early 2015). While the surroundings may have changed though, the twelve tracks gathered here see Simon adhering closely to the MPC-dominated sound that he’s established as a signature, and indeed it’s refreshing to hear an album that carries such a satisfying level of crunch and thud, in a scene currently inundated with wonky, post-Flying Lotus beats. While the cartoon technicolour cover art might suggest a whimsical journey ahead, in reality the contents of this album offer up a considerably more dark and moody listen, with beats-noir perhaps being an apt description at points.
Opening track ‘Kaput!’ offers up a winding wander down into the labyrinth as twanging guitar samples add a bluesy backdrop that carries more than a hint of psyche-rock to the sorts of headnod beat programming you’d associate with the likes of classic Ninja Tune or Mo’ Wax, before tinkling piano keys and majestic jazz horns power things to a filmic conclusion that feels vaguely unsettled more than anything else. ‘You’ll Get Over It’ meanwhile offers up an eerie ride though creeping MPC-punched beats, delicate strings and wheezing jazz atmospheres that sees sampled male soul vocals reduced to a ghost-like wail as they trail against the faded-sounding textures, before ‘Sacrificial Santa’ sees cold synth swells adding a dark electro vibe as the beats take on a more lean and snapping feel against echoing samples and cut-up female vocals. While much of this album sees Simon sticking to the dark hues, there’s still the odd moment of playfulness on show here, with ‘Fire Is Warm’s sudden acceleration out into fluid funk-infused house rhythms halfway easily offering up one of the more unexpected surprises here. A more than welcome return from Blockhead.
