Dr. Octagon – Moosebumpectomy: An Excision of Modern Day Instrumentalization [2018; Bulk Recordings]

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The instrumental cut of Moosebumps: An Exploration Into Modern Day Horripilation brings the work by Dan the Automator, DJ Qbert, Kool Keith, Paul Banks, and Del tha Funkee Homosapien into clearer focus, with the scratching, beats, synth textures, and samples feeling like a complete construction even without Keith’s rapping, albeit one on the simple side.  Occasional strains of electric guitar blend well with the generally gritty vibe, and while the underlying loops are fairly chill, the action on top gets almost hyper at times.  Attention to fleshing out the numerous layers is evident throughout the album, and pulls from a wide array of sources broaden the flavor palette.  Though not especially interesting listening, the exposure it gives to the supporting structures is appreciable.

Dr. Octagon – Moosebumps: An Exploration of Modern Day Horripilation [2018; Bulk Recordings]

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Released twelve years after Kool Keith’s last album under the Dr. Octagon persona, The Return of Dr. Octagon (which ended up being finished by the OCD International label without Keith), Moosebumps quickly finds its footing after getting a too-long intro track (which tries to cram the word ‘octagon’ into every verse) out of the way.  The subsequent tracks mix firm beats, odd synth texturing, fast-moving vocal work dropping pop culture references left and right, and turntable action from Kid Koala and DJ Qbert, while Dan the Automator provides co-writing on all songs.

The kaleidoscopic results are almost all high-energy, with a couple of stops in more mellow territory, and the broad range of samples sources adds to its eclectic impressions.  The focus balance of words and beats feels a little skewed too far in either direction at times, with bass surges nearly drowning out the vocals or cadences running free from the backing rhythms, but the energetic assemblage of everything helps smooth out those rough patches.  Lots of fun and rich in detailing, and a nice way to get the Dr. Octagon side-project back on track after a long hiatus.

Here’s the alternate cover art.

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