Deadbeat

Walls & Dimensions marks Scott Monteith's tenth full-length release as Deadbeat. Reportedly, this album apparently arose in the wake of multiple tragedies in Monteith's life that included both personal and professional traumas. When an album emerges from such circumstances, it's reasonable to expect that the compositions will reflect the hardships endured by the artist, but while this latest Deadbeat release preserves a certain defining dark undertone that many have come to associate with the artist, it's far from doom and gloom — quite the opposite, in fact.
 
Wall & Dimensions is a gorgeous, expansive release whose dark side is more pensive than melancholic. Multiple compositions including "Stekker Forever!" feature cello parts played by Maarten Vos that assist Deadbeat in further exploring dimensions only hinted at on previous releases. The pulsing, deep, often foggy beats steadily maintain an upbeat momentum that would be well suited to even the most discerning, snobbish dance floors. Monteith has insisted that the album was born from loss, but the most defining characteristic of the album is its consistently hopeful theme and tone prominently featured on tracks like "Keep On Pushing" and "Got To Carry On," among others.
 
Walls & Dimensions is easily a highlight of the year, an album that demands repeated listens in order to be fully appreciated and experienced.