The sixth studio album from Ramble John Krohn aka RJD2. Any mention of the Philly beatsmith must include a nod to Deadringer, but similar to efforts (Since We Last Spoke, The Colossus, More Is Than Isn’t) that followed the seminal 2002 debut, Dame Fortune is a departure from the dusty-loops-and-chop-up-the-soul RJD2. “The Sheboygan Left” retains some of the DR vibe, but the track, after a breakbeat intro, blossoms into a full song, complete with rock guitar riffs, a horn section and aptly placed vocal samples. The rest of the album follows suit, with funk, Philly soul, rock and hip-hop driving tracks like “Peace of What,” “We come Alive,” and “Sabotuer.” There are electronic and ambient moments (“PF, Day One,” “A Portal Inward,” “A New Theory,” “Your Nostalgic Heart and Lung”) throughout the album, but vibrant melodies, memorable choruses, and upbeat drums balance them out, rendering the project both experimental and accessible. Released by RJ’s Electrical Connections on limited edition double white vinyl.

• white vinyl pressing
• digital download included
• music label: RJ's Electrical Connections 2016

reviewed by buffalo fingers 04/2016