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XXX is a peek into the kaleidoscopic musical brain of Jimmy Edgar. The Detroit native has touched on the influence of Prince and Kraftwerk in his formative years, but you could also point to his past signed to Warp, 80s electro funk, dubstep and the cosmic R&B pioneers SA-RA Creative Partners as musical references here. The prevalent aural mood is taut, hyper sexed future-retro funk as demonstrated on the shimmering talk box flex of “New Touch” (Chromeo could learn a thing or two here).
There are interesting sonic counterpoints interspersed throughout though. “One Twenty Detail” merges the electronic mind fuckery of vintage AFX with crushing dubstep kicks and “Push” adds further credence to Edgar’s interest in dubstep with a mutant hybrid of midrange bass tears and brilliant pulses of macabre electro. It’s Edgar’s willingness to change tempos that marks him as one of the better electronic contemporary music producers. “Rewind, Stop That Tape” sounds like a 21st century update on Kool & The Gang’s “Summer Madness” whilst “Physical Motion” recalls the aforementioned Sa Ra Creative Partners in their formative pomp and includes some excellent vocal interplay between a talkbox clutching Edgar and guest singers Anet and Azealia.
Tony Poland
