Alien electronic sounds emanating from somewhere in NYC. TYONDAI BRAXTON is free, and he released HIVE1 (NONESUCH) earlier this year, proving as much to be true. Pouring heavily over into the electronic realm, HIVE1 is nonetheless electroacoustic in nature, mining the possibilities of the melding of synthesizers and organic drums, guitars and other instruments. I find HIVE1 to be particularly fresh in this regard, ping-ponging back and forth from busy syncopated drum work, incessant kick drum, ambient synth flavor, and more actively engaging German-inspired paranormal electronic activity.

“Scout1” runs the gamut of all things considered above, evolving from truly insectoid drones into hyper-kinetic experimental spazzing out for 2015, and beyond. I think the most powerful angle of this music for me is the way that Braxton seamlessly incorporates so many different timbres into his sound, the end result being a heavily textured sonic d-lite. Definitely need to ponder this whole album much more. Love that unusual drop around the five-minute mark and the posi-party vibe that grows out of it. Who does that? When this guy is your dad…