Shlohmo - Laid Out EP REVIEW

Los Angeles producer Henry Laufer, AKA Shlohmo, likes to bring in a little bit of everything when it comes to his music. He's younger than most producers (he started releasing music around age 18), yet he brings a lot to the table in terms of production. He dives into genres such as trip-hop, funk, and R&B with ease. The R&B influence is apparent in Shlohmo's latest EP, Laid Out.

This is his first release since the Vacation EP a year ago. That EP had him experimenting with deep IDM sounds and oddball beats. This time around, the beats are a bit more 'normal'-sounding, but are never derivative or uninspired. A unique addition to his sound is his use of sampled vocals, like the kind often found in the garage genre. They're often intelligible, but Shlohmo uses them in a way that they fit right in.

The first track, "Don't Say No", features singer and producer How To Dress Well, whose delicate R&B falsetto vocals fit beautifully with the echoing synths below it. "Out Of Hand" also features a disembodied voice, laid under richly textured drums. "Later" is the strongest song of the bunch, layering a muffled vocal sample over watery synths and a ferocious trap beat. "Put It" is in a bit more laid back style, making use of elements from the previous track, but in a new context. Finally, the on/off beat of "Without" weaves in and out of the several layers of instrumentation with ease, and serves as a fine conclusion to the EP.

This EP is a great showcase of Shlohmo's talent, as if we hadn't heard enough evidence already. This might be one of his most emotional works yet, and the echoing voices he often places below his music serve their own special purpose. The drums on this EP are great, too, shifting between trap and R&B themes. Sometimes it feels that Shlohmo is retreading previous sounds (many of the songs share key elements), but each song serves its own purpose. I would suggest this EP to fans of Shlohmo or newcomers who are interested in Shlohmo, or just people who enjoy emotionally produced instrumental hip-hop in general. It's definitely an enjoyable half-hour.

Favorite tracks: "Don't Say No (ft. How To Dress Well)", "Later"
Least favorite track: Eh... "Put It"

My score: an 8 out of 10.