Shadow of former greatness

Fans of the hypnotic, atmospheric beats DJ Shadow churned out on releases such as “Endtroducing” and his side project U.N.K.L.E. are sure to be left wanting more with the direction he’s taken on this latest release.

The “I Gotta Rokk” EP is a precursor to an upcoming full-length album, featuring three new tracks followed by remixes of those tracks. DJ Shadow spent a long time crafting innovative instrumental hip-hop, but the qualities that made him so compelling are largely absent here.

The title track is driven by a simplistic pattern that repeats like a six-minute long auger in your brain, providing clumsy dynamic change by adding a guitar solo that would make even Motley Crue’s hair stand up.

At some points, it sounds as though Shadow sold his turntables in order to buy a copy of Fruity Loops. In essence, he was probably thinking repetitive drum machines and blandly derivative synth parts seem more popular than the thoughtful, creative beats that originally put him on the map.

The three remix tracks all vary in quality. While the title track’s remix is much more purposeful and well crafted than the original, the “I’ve Been Trying” version sounds like a half-finished demo of the original song.

All in all, the release is testament to an artist who now seems devoid of the inspiration that once made him one of the most creative minds in his genre.

By Adrian Jenkins