If you've read any of our other posts on 20syl, then you're undoubtedly aware of our unrestricted adoration for his work, but if you haven't, we'll make an effort to sum up all of our previous words for you here. 20syl has been releasing some of the most unique electronic-hip-hop hybrid sounds we've heard over the past year, and he's consistently implemented unparalleled quality and mind-boggling creativity into his sounds. The Frenchman has been producing for well over a decade with various different groups, and through his experiences, he's acquired a new perspective on production which can be seen in all his works. His style is fresh, his sound is captivating, and he's finally delivered his highly anticipated EP, Motifs (and it's awesome). If you enjoyed the sound of 20syl's "Bet Dap Goom Bown", then you're certainly going to be more than fond of "Voices" on the EP. A heavy drum beat constitutes the base of the instrumental, but a set of freely waving, rapidly oscillating synths really carries the track. A haunting melody composed of harp strums and high-pitched synths coasts alongside Rita J's insightful verses, and 20syl doesn't hesitate to chop up and distort her vocals in his typically venerable fashion. Later, just when you think 20syl is getting even the slightest bit predictable, he throws something totally different in the mix with "C.Y.D.T.T. (Can You Dance To This !?)", a piece that functions simply as a showcase of the producer's unparalleled productional dexterity. The piece is so vastly complex, we don't even know where to begin, so we'll just try to cover the basics here. In essence, the track is a massive array of meticulously executed electronic bits and pieces, mostly composed of myriad synth layers, trenchant melodies, and obscure percussion samples. Regardless of our description, though, you'll have to listen for yourself to understand the track's sound, and if you're like us, you might have to replay it a few times to really absorb its immensity. If you're digging 20syl's sound here, be sure to pick up the entire EP of his on iTunes.
20syl