Abstract and proud, Lusine’s SERIAL HODGEPODGE wears its credentials on its sleeve, from the torn-up female vocals and melodic underpinnings on “Ask You” to the crispness of “Slur.” “Drip” sounds like a lost Tim Hecker track, however, while “The Drop” edges into Akufen-like house rhythms. And, as if just to prove he could do it, he moves to downtempo on the gentle “Everything Under the Sun.” Though the tracks show sharp production values, they can be sterile at times; for instance, “Falling In” is smart and danceable, but also cold. “Auto Pilot” is slightly warmer, while “Figment” is slightly choppier. The final track, “Payne’s Gray,” takes a completely abstract route, with a cello cutting in and out. Doubtless, there’s an eclectic quality to these tracks, showing a great range of imagination and ability. But a more concrete vision to link the tracks together as an album would also be welcome.

Nothing too exciting here. Nevertheless, everything still sounds pleasant and relaxing. Tunes range from slower trip-hop to some faster, house inspired beats, with a couple of more experimental and calm noise/ambient tracks. The production is of course flawless, so is the use of samples (vocal/classical instruments) and overall quality of this release is undoubtfully at a high level.