ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FUNGUS

After a few albums of ORL getting into the more abstract territory with his music it's honestly pretty nice for him to put out a more straightforward listening experience, especially one as good and distinctive as this one. The more stripped back, focused sound presented here goes a long way as well, with a more psychedelic edge without often delving into the completely experimental, bizarre territory, instead focusing far stronger on some great rhythms and melodies with the soundscapes taking a bit of a backseat in favour of this more accessible and fun jamming. Despite all this talk about simplicity and taking a step back, I also cannot say that this is devoid of its more complex and wildly creative moments as well, whether it's through these longer tracks that are able to tell a bit or a story with its ebb and flow, having these long stretches of atmosphere broken up by intense flurries of intensity, something that's especially notable on the 11 minute Tied Prom Digs on the Docks. Some of the tracks focused very tightly on specific ideas are great as well, especially Mood Swings, which embodies its title to the fullest extent, being a disorienting ride through so many different tones and atmospheres that it's insane. Overall this is just a very, very solid album that reins in some of the more aimlessly experimental tendencies of Omar and is an amazing palette cleanser after the consistent strangeness of the past few albums, all while being a great time in its own right.

Best tracks: Sex, Consolation for Misery, Tied Prom Digs on the Docks, Mood Swings