The Lasso "The Sound Of Lasso (Mello Music)"
The Sound Of Lasso (Mello Music), the solo debut from The Lasso, is exactly what the title says. Stepping out from his normal role as producer and beatmaker, The Lasso is free here to make whatever kind of music he wants. This is not the first time he’s released a solo album, but this one feels like a focusing and rebirth sort of affair. Armed with a drum machine and 13 talented musicians, the sound here is varied from song to song. Occasionally sounding like ‘90s trip-hop, other times like experimental electronica a la Books or Liars, and other times mixing Brian Eno passages of ambient beauty with hip-hop sensibilities. Passages also can remind the listener of Stevie Wonder, or the French band Air at times. Needless to say (but I’m gonna say it anyway) this is a gorgeous collection of (mostly) instrumental music. Chill, sophisticated, vibe-y. Get into the vibe with the uplifting “Heaven.”