Blockhead - Music By Cavelight

Ninja Tune has always been a reliable label for new discoveries, and MUSIC BY CAVELIGHT, the debut from Blockhead, is no different. An album of sample-heavy collages, the music ranges from Kid Koala-like humor (“Intro: Hello Popartz”) to more moody soundscapes (“You’ve Got Maelstrom” or the martial “Sunday Séance”). Blockhead carefully merges tonal qualities, like the sad strings and funk bass of “Carnivores Unite” or the outer-space zither of “Jet Son.” “Road Rage Breakdown” switches gears beautifully halfway through, going from an OK track to a surprisingly good one. And “Insomniac Olympics” takes the familiar horn section from the Olympics theme and transforms it completely. Less successful tracks (“Cavelight”) are quickly erased by stronger ones (“Breath and Start”). But, undoubtedly, the highpoint of the album is “Triptych Pt. 1,” which turns just one line from a song into its own chorus, alternating between being slowed-down and sped-up to a melancholy piano. A simple idea, yet remarkably beautiful. And while “Pt. 2” is unremarkable, “Pt. 3” picks things back up with an electric bass. An auspicious debut and another Ninja coup.

When I saw Blockhead live, I picked up this 2CD set, and was quite happy after the fact. To be honest, I hadn't heard of this chap before his set. I was a bit confused why he played a couple Aesop Rock tracks during his show, and now I know why (Blockhead produced them).

This album is a nice blend of dowtempo melodies and hiphop beats, plus some odd samples. Triptych Pt. 1 features a tweaked vocal sample, which could have been misused, but somehow fits right in. The other track which has gotten lodged in my head is Insomniac Olympics, although the video is a bit of a let-down.

Over-all, a good album, with some splendid moments. The Aesop Rock instrumentals are a nice bonus, but the vocals make the tracks complete.