Skopic – Skopic

The New Sound of Electronic Music

Los Angeles-based label Lunatic Works is now batting a two for three by my tally. After averaging a .500 for Tha Fruitbat’s lackluster debut and Horse Noodles’ surprisingly enjoyable freshman release, the indie-electro imprint has solidified itself as a legitimate musical enterprise with the release of newcomer Skopic’s self titled first album.A sleeper hit, Skopic’s entrance into the electronic music scene is something of a blessing to a genre often considered replete with so much auditory fodder. Skopic, known by day as mild mannered collegian Max Braverman, brings us his vision of musical utopia via a record brimming with thoughtful, and downright beautiful, intricacy and creativity.

Skopic is a complex amalgamation of sounds extending and integrating various genres, thus creating a brilliant melodic landscape evoking a wide-ranging breadth of emotions. This diversity is what gives the album its laurels. Grandiose, and at times epically thematic, songs (“Committee of Tails”) are juxtaposed against dark and mellifluous backdrops (“Allow Me,” “Bound by Sound”) and funky, toe-tappin’ jazz-inspired anthems (“Mahonis,” “Grab Bag Grammer”). Hip hop beats, psychedelic guitar riffs, electronic effects, and live instrumentation add to the album’s radiance. However, it is perhaps this last quality that truly gives Skopic its rich texture and alluring appeal. The record is, at once, background music, a soundtrack to a movie not yet made, and an experiment in musical coalescence.

Though not entirely perfect, Skopic’s beginner’s blemishes are easy to overlook considering how good of a debut this record is. Braverman has set the bar high with this release. With such a promising start, expect Skopic to be placed amongst electronica’s best in no time.