Lustmore

Recording information: Cosmic Zoo Studios, Los Angeles.
Stuart Howard had the kind of alias, as well as a winking debut album title, Nostalchic, that could have had him mistaken for a lounge music revivalist indebted to Esquivel and Les Baxter. With Lustmore, the producer ratchets up the deception potential with kitschy artwork like that of '90s lounge revivalists Combustible Edison or Love Jones. There are no traces of lounge revival revivalism, however, within the grooves and atmospheres of Howard's second album for Flying Lotus' Brainfeeder label. Lustmore does make for slightly easier listening compared to Howard's previous output. Its melodies are relatively starry, and its contours are softer, crafted with the intent to make the listener feel as if she or he is lodged in a state between sleep and consciousness. Despite that, little of the album could be termed elusive. Some of the tracks, like the hard-knocking "Why Did You Lie" and jittery "Push 'N Spun," feature Howard's most resonant beats, while the synthesizers in "Bud" and "Don't Mean a Thing" joust with finesse. Additionally, some of the vocal performances -- two from Andreya Triana, one each from Szjerdene and Howard -- entail clear-minded, plainly stated thoughts regarding interpersonal strife rather than half-sensical mumblings. Howard provides a lot to absorb, and one can enjoy all of it whether half-asleep or wide awake. ~ Andy Kellman