7 years after Nothing, the VA trio consisting of Chad Hugo, Pharrell WIlliams, and Shay Haley are back. BUT! N.E.R.D never really went away per se; members individually have stayed busy w/ different things (producing, working on music for movies, solo projects, fashion, etc.), and the ever-relevant group and its influence has constantly lingered around in the pop culture sphere. Now, fueled by the current socio-political climate, the gang turns in an urgent, genre-defying (hip-hop, psych-pop, juke, dance-punk, etc.) full-length, with guest appearances from Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Andre 3000, Gucci Mane, Ed Sheeran, MIA, and more. "Lemon" is the obvious standout on the 11-tracker (Riri killed it on this one), but the trio's creative energy runs amok on every single cut on the LP. Check out the police brutality-addressing "Don't don't Do It!," or the 7-minute avant-pop dopeness of "Lightning Fire Magic Prayer." "Rollinem 7's" is another highlight (Retch again!), and the tropical-tinged "Lifting You" w/ Ed Sheeran closes out the album on a brighter note.

• double LP pressing
• 150 gram vinyl
• housed in standard die-cut sleeve
• digital download included
• PRESSING NOTE: a random sampling of the production run will have the 2nd disc be colored translucent orange
• release date: 03/09/18
• music label: Columbia 2018

reviewed by rei kwondo 02/2018