Nosaj Thing: Parallels (Colored Vinyl) Vinyl LP

Nosaj Thing aka O.G. Lab homie Jason Chung comes through with his 4th full-length album, Parallels, named after his affinity for collaborations. Its his most disarming effort to date, populated by his signature expansive atmospheres and brooding melodies, drill snares, sampled and original vocals and expert sound design. Chung levels the vibe perfectly with a macabre piano arpeggio on opener Nowhere, leading into dark roller All Points Back To U, with the great Steve Spaceks dry and soulful croon providing an excellent counterpoint to Chungs waxing & waning synth washes. Elsewhere, Zuri Marley (Ziggys daughter, Bobs granddaughter) livens up Way We Were, and frequent collaborator Kazu Makino of Blonde Redhead lends her sultry vocals to How We Do to stunning effect (wed give anything for a full-length collab from the two). The instrumental tracks bang, as expected, with closer Sister and Get Like deserving special mention (the latter is begging for a Drake & Future vocal, maybe cuz the trap snares + Reese bass-rollage tickles that part of my brain that loved the Nosaj mix of Drizzys Forever), and Form, TM and IGYC punctuate these songs with gorgeous atmosphere. Limited edition clear vinyl pressing with printed inner sleeve and code for digital download. Recommended.

• deluxe clearvinyl pressing
• printed innersleeve
• digital download included
• limited edition
• music label:Innovative Leisure 2017

reviewed by peanut dust09/2017