»Forth and Back« seems to be Daedelus’ new concept, now that he’s returning with a new album for Ninja Tune. While having impressed on the previous album Righteous Fists of Harmony with the parameter of deceleration and thereby winning over new listeners, he now takes a U-turn on Bespoke, speeds up with chutzpa and causes ruckus after ruckus by launching ludicrous sampler-wars here and there. No one else could easily measure up to him when it comes to melodiousness, it’s sheer impressive how the various elements become one homogeneous entity, morphing into songs – not tracks – while the rotational speed shoots through the roof. Even the usage of half a dozen vocal supporters (Bilal, Busdriver, Baths, Milosh, Young Dad, Inara George, Kelela Mizanekristos) is put into the limelight in a playful and felicitous manner. Still, even though his genius is flashing up here and there and puts a smile and sometimes (thanks to the melodies) pure ecstasy onto the listener’s face: occasionally, everything seems to be a bit too stressed, too forced and not quite fitting into the artistic development that had seemed to take on a new route with Righteous Fists of Harmony. Daedelus stays Daedelus, gift and curse at the same time.
Bespoke
