Epstein – Sealess See

Epstein – Sealess See
Asthmatic Kitty: 2011

Sealess See is a musical phenomenon, plain and simple. No other musician can sound like this without coming off as a direct rip-off. Epstein, the artist behind the album, is simply genius. He composes music with such a genuine craft and skill that almost nobody has these days. As much as trip-hop and instrumental hip-hop all together has had its classics, nothing has ever really sounded like this.

Producers who specialize in this form of music have nothing on Epstein. Sure DJ Shadow released the all time classic that is Endtroducing and others like Blockhead have created instrumental masterpieces all their own, but Epstein is a genius behind the boards. Not content with just being another hip-hop producer, he explores other genres throughout Sealess See as well. The only thing I can think of that’s not covered is rock and metal. But that’s only because there is a lack of guitars here, which are ever so present in Hip-Hop beats these days. In the end, Epstein and Sealess See are probably two of the best things you could ask for in 2011.

Sealess See is a genuinely deep album. Layers of instrumentation are smoothly placed over each other. They’re mixed so well that they do not to overshadow one another. Violins are hazily slapped together with buzzing synths and reggae bass is meshed with mesmerizing percussion and groovy hand claps. Probably the most interesting thing about all of the instruments in the production s the one that is not an instrument itself, the sounds of the ocean and all general sea life. Mr. Epstein records sounds heard in nature and adds them into the mix of his already incredible sounds, allowing for more variety amongst the music. Seashells, boat whistles, calming ocean waves and sea animals can all be heard throughout Sealess See. For instance, on “Glowfish”, he recorded samples of gargling waves and stretched them out to create a psychedelic haze. On “Cuttlefish”, noises from boats and sirens can be heard wailing on an invisible wall beneath the instruments.

Sealess See runs the gamut of genres. Represented under the banner of instrumental hip-hop, we get flourishes of indie music and swaths of ambience. Tropicalia is blended with tribal music. Pop is pounded together with summery beach music. It’s all blended so nicely and tightly together. The only thing missing is a saturation of guitar-heavy rock. The only complaint I have with the album is its tendency to get repetitive as individual songs will often times play the same beat over and over again.

Sealess See is definitely one of the best releases in 2011 so far. Not only is it mystical, but it’s pretty good musically. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another record like this ever. A valiant effort.

4.5 out of 5