Sd-2

The album's main genre is outsider house, which fits perfectly at the center of a range of styles and cultures, from 2-step to IDM. Its drunken passion really stands out because it hits a weak point in the human spirit, and it sounds cohesive even though it’s so varied. It’s crucial to make people feel something with electronic music. It doesn’t make sense to be super technical with a perfect mix and miss out on what digital music does best: evoke feeling. Sd-2 would be mediocre without that emotional punch, but thankfully both Loukeman and I can see the beauty behind the ambitious electronic sound. I’m conflicted about this album. So many sounds and ideas here are great, but it feels like the cake was taken out of the oven a bit too early. Some songs feel too short and never fully develop, while others drag on too long. It makes some tracks feel like they don’t go anywhere; we either get off too soon or miss our stop. 'Idrk' goes on too long with uncomfortable noises at the two-minute mark, and 'Real Life Man' (which sounds oddly like Daft Punk) gives you whiplash with its sudden transition. 'Take' has good vibes and feels like an EDM song, but it awkwardly stops where a drop should be and transitions into 'Snoopy.' This might be a classic case of subverting expectations, but interesting and enjoyable are different things. That said, 'Snoopy' is one of the standout tracks, leaning into instrumental hip-hop in all the right ways with a lovely bounce and upbeat vibe, making it a solid chill-out track. 'Giverrr' features a crispy synth that dissolves as the song progresses, paired with soft, stereo guitars, making it both interesting and enjoyable. 'Ride' breaks into rapid drum and bass moments that change the vibe seamlessly. 'JUMZZZ' plays the album out with a shoegaze feel, which I appreciate. Some moments I really like, some I really don’t. It’s not a bad listen, just one that may feel a bit disjointed.

LOUKEMAN - SD-2

RATING - 7.2/10

FAVORITE TRACKS - Take, Snoopy

GENRE - Outsider House