Hudson Mohawke - Lantern

Hudson Mohawke
Lantern
2015

Producers have a bit of a hard road when it comes to releasing a solo album of their work. People see them as creating music for other people to then make into a song which very well be a smash hit, but that music in a stand alone fashion sometimes seems hollow. Hudson Mohawke has completely bucked that trend. His music whether with vocals (only 5 tracks have them) or just instrumentation are full of soul and totally modern at the same time. His music has a classic vibe but never feels dated in any way. This album also does not feel like a group of singles, they all work together despite being very different. Unlike most producers this record doesn't have a single rap track, though we know Mohawke can create some great beats. His 8-bitish track "Shadows" is particularlly well done and "Ryderz" is an old school Kanye type beat from when Kanye was at the top of his producing powers.

There is songs that are grand in scale ("Kettles") and others that exist in the small places. You can tell this was an album made not for getting tracks sold to other artists, but for making an entire piece all of it's own. There are a few dancey tracks but it never comes across as EDM or something made to be banged in the club. With Lantern Hudson Mohawke has really put a new spin on what producers can do in terms of releasing an album. Any chains of having your name chanted throughout a song, or forcing mediocre beats with a rap track over them have been totally broken and creating a really great album is left in its wake. Do yourself a favor and get into this record, it's worth it.

8.9 out of 10