After cutting his teeth producing Aesop Rock and the Party Fun Action Committee, new Ninja Tune signee Blockhead delivers 14 tracks of instrumental work on this challenging, but highly listenable debut. Those familiar with his work will know that he mixes together jazz, rock, and soundtrack samples with live guitar/violin to create a sound that’s like a dark indy score, kind of like a hip-hop Jon Brion. I’m really enjoying this album, due in a large part to Blockhead’s strong sense of composition and overall cohesiveness of sound, especially evident on the first single “Insomniac Olympics” and “Road Rage Breakdown.” However, the centerpiece is definitely the three-part “Triptych,” which comes together in a WDYSLL sort of way (ed.note: that’s dork-speak for a DJ Shadow reference). Quality listening throughout, spread over double vinyl. (ed.note: lot of haters of this album, but most feedback I’ve gotten is thumbs up).

• debut solo instrumental album from Aesop Rock producer, 1st time on vinyl since 2013
• 180g burnt orange marble colored triple vinyl pressing
• 3rd LP contains 5 rare Aesop Rock instrumentals produced by Blockhead
• digital download included
• limited edition
• original release year: 2004
• music label: Ninja Tune 2022

reviewed by woodman 03/2004

ALSO AVAILABLE

• Blockhead: Downtown Science Colored Vinyl 2LP
• Blockhead: The Music Scene Colored Vinyl LP
• Aesop Rock & Blockhead: Garbology Colored Vinyl 2LP