Aesop Rock’s sixth studio album and first since 2007, “Skelethon” sees Matthias Bevitz self-producing a solid comeback. At times, guitars and electronics lend an alternative sound to the record, with deep bass and shady synths leaning the album into dark tones as well. While tempo and musical elements change up – some songs present more electronic lasers or bass drones than others – the album maintains a consistent tone throughout its entirety. That’s not to say Bevitz has become over-serious; he still sneaks in moments of comedy. And the underground hip-hop hero hasn’t lost his touch as an emcee either, with his classically clever lyricism flowing seamlessly off the movements of his beats.
Grade: A
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RevRanks: Aesop Rock, “Skelethon”
July 11, 2012