DJ /rupture and Matt Shadetek are producers and performers in the New York scene. They have collaborated before, releasing a raucous EP; “Dem nuh Know Me,” in 2004 and founding the record label Dutty Artz in 2008. “Solar Life Raft” is their first LP produced together, and it is busy, appealing, and ultimately very successful. DJ /rupture and Shadetek pull from a host of cultural influences and variety of styles, though the heart of this release seems to be dub. There is a lot going on throughout the disc and they challenge your ear even as they inspire your feet.

The disc kicks off with ‘Space Cadet, Strength in Numbers,’ a spacey, bouncy dub tune with horn accents that flows seamlessly into ‘For the Souls,’ which features a smooth performance from guest vocalist Jahdan Blakkamoore. ‘Bebey, Despertar’ gives us a flavor for the more outside work they do on “Solar Life Raft.” Lots of synthesizer, complex, syncopated rhythms, and assorted odd effects populate the song. While it may not be that danceable, it’s still an extremely cool and relaxing groove. The disc then rolls into the unfortunate ‘The Bad Dance, Get On Up.’ This is a almost a novelty song with thin production, a halting beat, and an incredibly annoying vocal sample.

These first 5 tracks encapsulate the entire album. Most of the work DJ /rupture and Matt Shadetek present on “Solar Life Raft” is appealing and cool. Rhythms are complex and usually danceable. The arrangements are constantly shifting so that grooves turn on a dime with songs deftly slaloming from mainstream to weird electronica. The production, of course, is fabulous and the album glitters with cosmopolitan samples and effects. Occasionally, they stumble into self-indulgent weirdness that I think one would have to be a DJ to appreciate but would be hard to like even then. This is rare, though. Most of the album is courageously and inventively conceived and brilliantly realized.


The rest of the album has several highlights. ‘More Pets’ features French-Norwegian poet Caroline Bergvall chanting about relative amounts of cats, turtles, dogs, canaries, and more in front of a tribal beat. ‘Mr. Money Man’ is a minimalist track with dub roots and a good melody. ‘Long Road’ is another track with vocals by Jahdan Blakkamoore, a heavy electronic bass line, and what sounds like a Japanese shamisen. It flows into ‘Layin In Bed, Overture: Watermelon City,’ which is built around an odd, meandering poem about watermelons, urban chaos, and cannoli, but is a cool and energetic track.


I spent a lot of time with “Solar Life Raft” because the version I was given to review was all one long track with no breaks so it took some effort to figure out which tracks I was listening to. I have to say the more I listen to it, the more I appreciate the layers of effects, the variety of national influences, and the changing flavors. This is a strong release made up of mostly winners. I recommend you pick it up, put on a set of headphones, and give it a couple listens.