Rooted in the past but looking forward… Sango's second full-length, In The Comfort Of, features guests like JMSN, Smino, Xavier Omar, and Jesse Boykins III, with the Soulection-affiliate delivering 17 tracks that reside on the fringes of hip-hop, r&b, and electronica. The focus, however, is not operating within a particular genre or style; rather, the Seattle-based producer curates lush, pastel-toned #vibes that he simply refers to as "beats." With that said, despite the talented vocalists featured, it's the "beats" that are at the front and center of In The Comfort Of; check for tastefully employed samples, skittering drum programming, and the lush pads that work together to move the record along. Highlights: "Out My Way/ Around You," "Sweet Holy Honey," "Khlorine," "Dance for Blessings," and "Life Without God Is Nothing."

• gatefold sleeve
• tri-color gradient vinyl
• music label: Last Gang Records 2018

reviewed by rei kwondo 06/18