Ultra

Following a two-album stint with 4AD and some intermediate short-form releases, such as a pair of EPs for XL, Zomby returned to Hyperdub, the outlet for some of his earliest work. Ultra is cheekily front-loaded with a trio of weightless and skeletal tracks, though it does contain a few of the producer's most straightforward and substantive tracks. Loaded with rhythmic friction and alien melodies, the most memorable moments emulate and often synthesize Wiley-style grime, scuffed-up U.K. garage, and early-'90s IDM in craggy form. Among the highlights are the decayed "S.D.Y.F," a collaboration with Trilogy Tapes artist Rezzett, and the forlorn "Her," enhanced with a streaked, slightly dazed melody that recalls Madonna's "Live to Tell." ~ Andy Kellman