Blockhead’s debut album “Music By Cavelight” caught the imagination of many reviewers and garnered a lot of praise. For the New Yorker’s second album, he progresses the winning template a little further, fully fleshing out the patchwork cut ‘n’ paste instro-hip-hop, foundsounds and film dialogue snippets. Comparisons to DJ Shadow or Diplodicus are obvious, and a bit unfair, as Tony Simon’s Blockhead moniker is about exploring sound collages and emotional textures. “The First Snowfall” pictures snow whirling through Manhattan (this album is Simon’s tribute to the place) amidst swirling guitars and exotic percussion. “Long Walk Home” offers Sergio Leone whistles and oddball samples over jaunty breaks; “Stop Motion Traffic” the kind of funky music you’d love to see a traffic cop waltzing to; “The Art Of Walking” is a grin-prompting disco moment that only emerges on labels like Ninja Tune. Overall, whilst it perhaps doesn’t act on what was initially promised by “Music By Cavelight”, it’s definitely moving in the right direction. Recommended.
4 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: DARREN WALL