Computer Jay

The second installation in a four-part series, Savage Planet Discotheque Vol. 2 sees enigmatic former Pharcyde DJ Computer Jay and his rapping Super Computer branching out and getting more vocal in the excavation of his fresh vein of MPC production. True to form, opener "Analog Catastrophe" has a distinctively glitch-hop beat, with a sci-fi bloop lead and his demonically modulated vocals, while the collaboration with the Gaslamp Killer, the murky "SunDial MeltDown," lands in doom-bap country. The gnarly sub-bass and sluggish beat of "Binary Fix" hits a deep spot of noir&b, with the Super Computer's deep grumble contrasted against guest star Orpheo's soulful hook, while "Destination Destiny" strikes a downtempo vibe, providing a wide swath of variety in this otherwise electro hip-hop soundscape. Orpheo brings even more soul on "Hardships," taking the vocal lead while Jay introduces violin and a smattering of 8-bit synthesis into the track's ghostly, morose progression. The sound is more complex and better executed than on Volume 1. In just 20 short minutes, Computer Jay manages to showcase everything that makes him one of the most exciting young producers in Los Angeles; he's on the verge of becoming great.