Album review: Lorn – ‘Nothing Else’ (Brainfeeder)

Beats that get all up in your grills but soon get old

Opening with a clock’s chime, [a]Lorn[/a]’s debut feels like he’s ticking off the hours until his own personal apocalypse. Re-angling post-hip-hop beats to refract wedges of spongey, minor-chord synths, the Illinois beatmaker creates emotionally charged soundscapes as intense as anything in Jack Barnett’s head. But as synthetic strings are layered over militaristic, Timbaland-style drum rolls (‘Army Of Fear’) and treated vocals seep through despondent boom-clack (‘What’s The Use’) there’s a sense that the drama is congealing into turgid sentiment. After half an hour of churning melodies and rootless beats you’re craving something, anything else.

Louise Brailey

You May Also Like

Advertisement

TRENDING

Advertisement

More Stories