Dâm-Funk

Architecture II

BY Matt BauerPublished Aug 7, 2018

8
Picking up where 2016's Architecture left off, this four-track sequel is "modern funk" auteur Dâm-Funk's second foray into house-influenced grooves, and it's a more cerebral affair than its predecessor.
 
That's not a bad thing either, since the synth and electro-clap-soaked soundscapes from the man born Damon Riddick have never been more alluring. Dâm's one-time partner Snoop once sang of "Sensual Seduction," and opener "Don't Give Up" has that in spades: an up-tempo slice of soulful house iced  with cosmic synth lines and tasteful, jazzy piano that glides effortlessly for five minutes.
 
"Best Weekend" is a laid-back confection, an ideal soundtrack for summertime cruising against an endless L.A. sunset, while the aptly titled "Bounce" has a slightly more saturnine edge. The set closes with "In the City," an invigorating pump that nods to both Larry Heard and Hubert Eaves III. Hopefully Dâm-Funk will deliver a full-length as impressive as this EP.
(Independent)

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