It is not only thanks to Damu The Fudgemunk, Kan Kick or the Hi-Hat-Club-Sequel that Instrumental-albums have reached high popularity. Due to the high number of albums or tapes of the kind, though, only a few get the attention they seek while still producing high-quality sounds. Apollo Brown did just that with Clouds and continues what he started with Gas Mask and The Reset. No big experiments like Flying Lotus, no mad sample-orgies like Madlib: This album remains with the good old version of a Hip-hop beat tape, featuring a harmonious ground structure and samples put sensitively on top of drums high in contrast. This might sound like an average oeuvre, but Apollo Brown adds a little individual something, which develops its magic just after a few tracks. Even a well known sample like Humpty Dumpty by Marc Moulin can be newly interpreted without the invitation of pushing the skip-button. The seamless sound adventure reminds one a little bit of J Dilla’s Donuts, which knows no end and no beginning. Clouds might not reach the level of Dilla’s classic, but it is definitely an impressive proof of Apollo Brown’s skills as a producer.
Clouds
