It’s been six years since Nosaj Thing emerged among the vanguard of Low
End Theoryaffiliated
producers. His debut Drift created 31st century tones and chromatic textures so
sleek that they inspired innumerable Soundcloud imitators. None could match its
moody iridescence, faded sadness and funky swing.
“The last record took out so much of me. I just wanted to go back to
simplifying and overthinking so much. It was a battle,” Nosaj says. “The
soul of a song, the essence of a
song—whatever you want to call it—should be simple.”
By stripping away all but what’s really necessary, the sounds harness an unusual directness. Guest appearances are rare, save for vocals from Whoarei on “Don’t Mind Me,” and Chicago rap phenomenon, Chance the Rapper. The latter gravely spits on “Cold Stares,” invoking terminal fevers, empty beds, devil’s whispers, and insomniac fears.