Burnt Friedman

While Bokoboko won't come as too much of a surprise for those familiar with the off-kilter lope of Burnt Friedman's futuristic dub, it's nonetheless a flattering portrait, showcasing his sleekest and slinkiest rhythms. This time around, things are much leaner and aerodynamic than on previous efforts. Where other Friedman discs have often been colourfully melodic, many tracks on Bokoboko situate beats and rhythmic textures in the foreground. While some might feel like he's downplaying his greatest asset, the emphasis on percussive elements makes Friedman's music far sexier. The nine-minute "Uzu" is the best example, as a minimal bass line and synth gurgles punctuate the polyrhythmic pump and splash of various drums and metallophones. Elsewhere, on "Rimuse 3," woozy zither warps and tenuous, meandering synth lines jut from a plush, pulsating surface of tom-tom throbs and the tropical ping of steel pans. Bokoboko comes highly recommended for those who enjoy the tight, sophisticated funk of his prior releases and also for newcomers interested in vibrant, eclectic and thoroughly eclectic dance music.