Nosaj Thing aka O.G. Lab homie Jason Chung comes through with his 4th full-length album, Parallels, named after his affinity for collaborations. It’s his most disarming effort to date, populated by his signature expansive atmospheres and brooding melodies, drill snares, sampled and original vocals and expert sound design. Chung levels the vibe perfectly with a macabre piano arpeggio on opener “Nowhere,” leading into dark roller “All Points Back To U,” with the great Steve Spacek’s dry and soulful croon providing an excellent counterpoint to Chung’s waxing & waning synth washes. Elsewhere, Zuri Marley (Ziggy’s daughter, Bob’s granddaughter) livens up “Way We Were,” and frequent collaborator Kazu Makino of Blonde Redhead lends her sultry vocals to “How We Do” to stunning effect (we’d give anything for a full-length collab from the two). The instrumental tracks bang, as expected, with closer “Sister” and “Get Like” deserving special mention (the latter is begging for a Drake & Future vocal, maybe cuz the trap snares + Reese bass-rollage tickles that part of my brain that loved the Nosaj mix of Drizzy’s “Forever”), and “Form,” “TM” and “IGYC” punctuate these songs with gorgeous atmosphere. Limited edition clear vinyl pressing with printed inner sleeve and code for digital download. Recommended.

• deluxe clear vinyl pressing
• printed inner sleeve
• digital download included
• limited edition
• music label: Innovative Leisure 2017

reviewed by peanut dust 09/2017