Rustie

Green Language

BY Stephen CarlickPublished Aug 22, 2014

7
The title of Scottish DJ/producer Rustie's second full-length Green Language refers, according to a release, to "a language that's non-dualistic, that speaks to you directly to your emotions without the mind interfering with the message." It's jarring to hear Rustie speak about emotion; his 2011 debut, the brash, colourful Glass Swords, was more expressive — of triumph, exuberance, ecstasy — than it was emotive.

There is a distinct sense of melancholy that lingers on Green Language, but it feels more languorous than actually emotive. Openers "Workship" and "A Glimpse" are pretty, but feel redundant in succession, much the same as "Let's Spiral" and "Green Language" do at the album's end. It's also difficult to feel Rustie's thoughts and emotions through the numerous guest appearances here: Gorgeous Children and Redinho are enjoyable on "He Hate Me" and "Lost," respectively, but it's hard not to feel as though their words "interfere with the message," to borrow a phrase.

Ironically, it's the tracks on which Rustie uses more familiar language — big, sparkly synths, taut snares, squelching bass and guitar riffs — that he is most effective and, indeed, affecting. There's urgency in the bounce of "Raptor" and the Danny Brown-featuring "Attak," and the grand climax of "Velcro" is the audio equivalent of tears of joy. There are great tracks on Green Language, but a lack of consistency stops it from being a great album.
(Warp)

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