Non-stop touring for years took a toll on Kyle Thomas aka King Tuff (he is also a part of Ty Segall's backing band The Muggers). Also fed up and not at all comfortable with the persona that he had built as King Tuff, he found himself back in Los Angeles, physically and mentally exhausted. He did get revitalized, however, and some solo, acoustic shows he played during this down time proved to be the answer: "I knew I want to write some new songs that could stand up in that kind of setting, which really opened the door to a new way of working." Consisting of 10 tracks, The Other is representative of a "kind of psychic evolution" for the artist, where lush arrangements, a diverse choice of instruments, and some creative songwriting. From "The Other" that touches on "redemption born of creativity" over acoustic guitar and warm organ tones to the psychedelia-infused pop of "Psycho Star," the album is not so much a reinvention but a "reset that's not totally removed from what he's done in the past." Other songs to check out include "Birds of Paradise," "Raindrop Blue," and "Neverending Sunshine."

• loser edition pressing
• rainbow marble color vinyl
• digital download included
• music label: Sub Pop 2018

reviewed by rei kwondo 04/2018