YUUKI MATTHEWS – Music For Savage Tropical Imagery

Brevity is the soul of the Crystal Skulls’ bassist’s contribution to Asthmatic Kitty’s “Library Catalog Music Series,” whose previous volumes include a collaboration involving Sufjan Stevens. Over the course of a mere half hour, Matthews’ 10 succinct pop soundscapes flawlessly skate across a sea of genres. He has more than achieved his goal to “expand upon the nostalgia of subtle sound degradation.”

“Villa” coasts along on a Caribbean groove with an underlying electropop pulse. “Sea Sponge Cake” and “Equatorial Broadway Funk” work well as lo-fi paradises, while “HK Cinema Funk” comes off as a trip-hopped ode to Sean Connery era James Bond. “Giants,” along with the standout “Sloth Documentary,” are shrewd combinations of both Massive Attack and indie hip-hop label Def Jux’s signature sounds. Music For Savage Tropical Imagery is a smorgasbord of sounds, but is far from cacophonous. The album’s sense of placidity, without a doubt, saves it from turning self-indulgent.

So now that I’ve given you the play-by-play, let me tell you how this record made me feel. Naturally, like dancing, also like picking up a bong and learning how to use it for the first time. Per Asthmatic Kitty’s suggestion, feel free blast this during a commute, “either now or after the apocalypse.” This release is tailor made for fans of artists as varied as u-Ziq to Damon Albarn’s solo projects.

(Asthmatic Kitty Records, PO Box 1282, Lander, WY 82520)