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Album Review: Arca - Xen

StarStarStarHalf Star

"What’s pretty bloody genius about it, though, is its continuity."

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Arca was one of the three producers on Yeezus, and it’s clear who was behind the more futuristic and industrial sounds there.

Xen might just be trying to be a post-modern-esque, Vangelis-loving weirdo soundtrack of the highest degree. There’s barely melody, with the Venezuelan relying on textures and a heavy, heavy hand on the wonk knobs instead. The 15 tracks fly by, most under three minutes.

What’s pretty bloody genius about it, though, is its continuity; weird flits and beats pop their heads up throughout the album, tying everything together in a wonky, obscure package.