Dfalt to greatness

Following the release of Blackbook EP earlier this year, Dfalt comes back with the self-titled Dfalt. The Bay Area native is part of Daylight Curfew, an LA-based arts label and boutique. He started creating music in 2011, bouncing between hip-hop and electronic sounds. Dfalt is in many ways a culmination of his journey, collecting his experiences and displaying his skills. The 10 tracks are a brooding kaleidoscope of hypnotizing instrumentals and intoxicating melodies. Over the course of his last few projects, Dfalt has continuously shifted towards the abstract and eccentric. With his latest release, Dfalt has settled on an electronic foundation, sprinkled with industrial and hip-hop sounds.

Heavy industrial sounds dot the landscape of Dfalt, as seen on “We Used to be Broken” or “Bath Tub.” Other tracks, like “School” or “Sunrise Soldier” draw from hip-hop influences through the use of scratches and claps. And still, there’s songs like “A Few Began to Smoke,” melodies with an ambient soundscape. They all weave together to construct a project that showcases Dfalt’s various talents, but also creates a dynamic sound that’s lively and intricate. While each song has its own distinct quirks that sets itself apart, they all still tie together.

It’s during the busier songs that Dfalt’s handicraft really shines. “Light Bright Love Letters” nicely demonstrates how a multitude of sounds come together seamlessly, from the distorted vocals to the synth drums. “We’re All Famous” continues the trend, offering multiple layers of sounds stacking on top of each other. The beats overlap, but never get muddy or complicated.

Dfalt transitions between songs and beats with confidence, providing an entertaining sound, whether it’s in a laid back tune or a punchy anthem. Versatility is key in instrumental music, as production choices and variety play a key role in replayability and entertainment value. In that regard, Dfalt presents a project filled to the brim with exciting creative choices and daring explorations of the instrumental soundscape.