Tron Jovi
Bass + Frequency Studies in Dub, Chapter Two

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The second installment finds Defatte continuing his electronic music exploration while venturing into some interesting and unexpected places in the process. Opener “Polymath In Liminal Space” is perhaps the record’s most layered and nuanced song, as twinkly synth ably intermingles with smooth bass and peppy percussion to start the album in style.

From there, “Mirror Politics” and “The Almighty, Soul Crushing Dollar” veer into decidedly darker terrain, as down-tempo beats anchor sharp and occasionally strained Ableton production. The generally dour feeling persists into track four, “Hobo Nickels On The Dime,” but a bombastic beat helps to up the energy and act as a precursor for brighter moments ahead (after the entrancing phone-ring-incorporating “Dead Internet Block Party” interlude).

With a sample-based assist by Defatte’s Triple Eye cohort Francisco Ramirez (of Whaler), “Tyranny Of The Algorithm” serves as one of the album’s richest and most lush offerings with high- and low-end sounds intertwining to forge a truly standout track. That song transitions well into the dial tone-leaning, production-stuttering Studies crescendo, “Echo Chamber Hit Piece,” whose sterile operator prompts are the only words spoken in the entirety of the otherwise completely instrumental effort.

“Two, Tree Chords And The Truth” is reminiscent of an AI-imagined soundtrack to a dalliance in the Middle East, which is chased by the album’s last and absolute best song. The sleek and stunning “Tarantula Glamour” is the perfect blend of electro-tinged inventiveness and indie hip-hop appeal. If Defatte hasn’t been in contact with Shabazz Palaces about licensing this track, they’re both messing up.

” Tyler Maas, MilwaukeeRecord.com