Mike Schofield aka ElekTro4 is a NY-based producer who started playing drums at an early age and DJing in the ’90s (it was KMD’s “Peach Fuzz” that lured him in). Dude’s production chops also go way back, and his catalog, which includes some 45s and a full-length, can be heard on skate videos and TV shows. For his sophomore album on Chicago’s Headrums Records, Schofield unveils 13 beats composed of psychedelic textures, dusty drums, and a soulful thread that brings continuity to the entire project. A lot of beats albums tend to leave listeners with a wish-there-was-a-mc-on-here feeling, but not this one; Schofield’s apt use of samples and his knack for constantly adding (or taking away) details leaves Archaeometry with no stale moments. “Dansa” is definitely one of the highlights, but “First Beam,” “Aki’s Theme,” “Nothing Left,” and “The Asylum” are also good.

• music label: Heardrums 2016

reviewed by donut savage 08/2016