Joshua Tree, Mojave Trails, Sonoma Coast, Lost Coast Trail, Muir Woods. These are just a few of the recommended "optimum locations for listening" to Tahoe (as taken from the "hype" sticker on the shrink). The Northern California landscape has apparently left quite an impression on Fred Warmsley III aka Lee Bannon aka Dedekind Cut. While Warmsley has found previous success in hip-hop (working with Pro Era and The Alchemist) and jungle/breakcore (see Alternate/Endings on Ninja Tune), the experimental Nor Cal producer has been most prolific in the realms of modern ambient, noise, and new age. His first album under the Dedekind Cut moniker (2016's $uccessor) was much lauded, ultimately becoming a sought-after piece, with notable features from Chino Amobi, Dominick Fernow, and DJ Shadow. Now on Tahoe, Warmsley has fine-tuned his skills to craft a deeply introspective and affecting work that draws you in and doesn't let go.

• music label: Kranky 2018

reviewed by XXL Bao 04/2018