»Breakthrough« is probably one of the most expected debuts of this year. The Gaslamp Killer has for years been the secret favourite of many labels and forums. As co-founder of the infamous »Low End Theory«-event in LA, as a DJ with a preference of a mash-up of wonky beats, psychedelic Rock and an obscurity-shop, as well as producer of Gonjasufi’s debut, he has long been described as the new star and enfant terrible of the scene. So it’s no wonder that William Benjamin Bensussen presents his debut on his soulmate Flying Lotus’ label. Alongside old companions like Gonjasufi and Daedelus, he also brought in people like Samiyam and Dimlite. »Breakthrough« is, over all, a collective piece. The 17 tracks are expectedly filled with psychedelic-slippery collages and broken beats, which get tangled in short sketches. Shooing violins, grinding theremins, screaming guitars, oriental organs and bleeps and klonks from the beginning of synthesizers form »Breakthrough« to a mix of archaism, mysticism and Low-Fi-aesthetics. Nevertheless, The Gaslamp Killer is about 15 years late with this album. »Breakthrough« presents nothing that hasn’t already been pronounced in the nineties on Ninja Tune, Mo’Wax, Mush, Chocolate Industries and Ultimate Dilemma. »Breakthrough« flows past without giving a reason to prick up one’s ears. And the beats have also been programmed way better before.
NUG
BonGBoaT
West Mineral