Roddy Rod

Oakwood Grain II

BY Kevin JonesPublished Mar 25, 2012

While the album's title admittedly references its creator's home address, it also fittingly describes the solid makeup of the varied rhythmic constructions contained within. The latest offering from Low Budget Crew producer Roddy Rod offers a mixed bag of boisterous beat chopping alongside chilled displays of intricate melodies, with positive results springing from both the production and tactics. The Maryland-based beatsmith's love of lively bass lines and finely minced tones is introduced right off the top in the album's intro, resurfacing in "Grupos" in synth form, and in the entirely restrained "Mohulo," where it receives top billing. The gritty backbeat, disparate sonics and dynamic level of play in "Lightly Anxious" display another impressive segment of Rod's creative repertoire, but the producer shows his best form when hammering out juggled MPC samples on improv reggae showpiece "Redscheme." The record's lone vocal cut, "Keep Transit," might be second only to the aforementioned reggae banger; its prestige anchored by Finale's dexterous flow and a confident groove that sees all of the record's pieces fall pleasantly into place.
(Nature Sounds)

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