Although experimental pop has been Rafter’s thing since his 2006 debut 10 Songs, he went on an entirely different route on Sweaty Magic. And he could not have picked a more fitting name for a seven-track EP aimed at making you shake your ass. As soon as “Noise” starts up, in all its static-ridden glory, you realize this will be no “sit down and listen” type of record. You will dance and you will sweat. It would be a crime to not get down to “Magic”, which plays like a distorted 8-bit dance party. And the same goes for “Juicy”, also known as what would happen if a club DJ remixed Of Montreal tunes. “Sassy” is another instant standout, mostly because it’s hard to deny such a well-crafted throwback to ’80s electro. Although the last three tracks — “Sweaty”, “Salt”, and “Heat” — aren’t quite as moving, they are not filler by any means. Be sure to check Sweaty Magic out if you are in the market for an 18-minute freak-out. Even if you’re not, it would be in your best interest to get a taste of Rafter’s noisy genius.
Rafter: Sweaty Magic
Rafter
Asthmatic Kitty
2008-09-09