Hudson Mohawke – Lantern

Lantern is Hudson Mohawke’s second studio album, after releasing his debut album “Butter” back in 2009. To me this album is one that is highly anticipated, amongst experimental producers. Hudson’s development from Glasgow DMC champion to producer and now, to recently working alongside Kanye West as part of GOOD Music is a journey to say the least. After listening to Lantern in full I really got a sense of the concept for the album and found myself open to the ideas put together to create a piece of artwork that reflects the title “Lantern”. The songs have an eerie sound to them from a mix of technologies blended well to keep you engaged in the content. One track Indian Steps (feat. Antony) from Antony and the Johnsons stood out to me because of how creepy it sounded, yet it is beautifully mastered to blend well and is a really interesting combination. Another track that stood out to me was Deep Space feat Miguel this track is epic sounding to say the least, with some terrific vocals from Miguel. This album has hits on it, but its not jam packed with them, and its not too flooded with features either, yet there are some more notable tracks I enjoyed, other features includeing Very First Breath feat. Irfane, Warriors feat. Ruckazoi and Resistance feat. Jhené Aiko. This gives room for some instrumentals that string the album together really well like Shadows, Ryderz, Kettles, Scud Books, Lil Djembe, Portrait of Luci, System, and Brand New World.

Heaps of talent and creative ability has gone into Lantern and it is a mix of different sub genre from Trap and Glitch to electronic dance and experimental electro acoustic sounds that fit together like a movie. Lantern is a brilliant album, and a good follow up from Butter that shows how far Hudson Mohawke has developed and demonstrates dynamic thought processes showcasing the concept behind the album. I almost get that image of lanterns and fairy lights and dark concept driven movies and stories whilst listening to the album, very eerie and “dream like”. I will give this album a highly respectable 5 stars for the way it has been presented. Lantern Released 15 June 2015 is published on Warp Records Limited and is available to by on itunes. Hudson will also be at the festivals this summer worldwide so look out for that also.