3 out of 5

Label: Abstract Forms

Produced by: Ed DMX

The Vertigo-esque front cover and nervvy clipped nature of the tracks on DMX Krew’s Escape-MCP are aligned for a tip-toeing, paranoid foray into electro, as composed by one of the masters of minimalism in the scene. That approach, and theme, are perhaps pursued a bit too rigorously, though, as the thirteen tracks on the set don’t stretch much beyond their various premises, and while each one of those premises is a good beat, the album ultimately doesn’t have much to rally behind except those good beats.

Rummaging through his analog toolshed – or even, perhaps, someone else’s, as there’s a thank you for a “Pearl SY-1 Syncussion” machine on the back – Escape’s sound, once again aligned, is very old school – simplistic; warm. There’s a shuffly bassline on most tunes, loping along steadily, upon which Ed does his least-effective-dose shtick, only adding in synths (and taking them away) as necessary. And even within a similar BPM, he gets several successful rhythms this way, with the added plus of every few tracks amping up some acid for a bit sweatier of a workout.

Still, a very tight-lipped mood is maintained almost the entire time (honestly, until the penultimate Disk Drive, during which Ed allows for a kitschy smile), and the music never really gets anywhere as a result – it doesn’t get very far past “good beats.” On an EP, this can work; on a full length, a bit more range is ideally on display.

It would not surprise me if Escape-MVP was crafted by its limitations – i.e. make an album only using X instruments or somesuch. And even if not, I respect the craft of choosing a direction and sticking with; in addition to delivering quality songs along the way.