A longtime Dublab regular and resident DJ at the now-defunct Low End Theory weekly, L.A. beat scene forefather Elvin Estela has twisted through several modes throughout his recording career as Nobody, from moody instrumental hip-hop to gentle psychedelia. The 2010s have brought his most modern-sounding music yet, with 2010's Auto-Tune-soaked One for All Without Hesitation followed by the trap-influenced Vivid Green in 2013. All Too Familiar is another change of approach for Estela -- he wrote most of the album on his guitar ...
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A longtime Dublab regular and resident DJ at the now-defunct Low End Theory weekly, L.A. beat scene forefather Elvin Estela has twisted through several modes throughout his recording career as Nobody, from moody instrumental hip-hop to gentle psychedelia. The 2010s have brought his most modern-sounding music yet, with 2010's Auto-Tune-soaked One for All Without Hesitation followed by the trap-influenced Vivid Green in 2013. All Too Familiar is another change of approach for Estela -- he wrote most of the album on his guitar, and it's completely free of samples or vocals. Joined on several tracks by regular collaborators such as Damon Aaron and former Mars Volta member Marcel Rodriguez-Lopez, Estela explores a sort of earthy post-rock not unlike David Pajo's solo work as Papa M, but still informed by a cratedigger's ear for breakbeat-like rhythms. All of the tracks basically sound like they could've been covers of tracks originally assembled from samples. There's an even, steady pacing to the arrangements, and the crisp drums, played by Estela's friend Andres Renteria, certainly sound like loops rather than live, loose jamming. All of which makes the album fit in with Nobody's catalog more than it might seem at first, even if he's clearly approaching his craft in a different way. The album generally has a relaxed, reflective mood, with certain tracks being a shade more wistful, sweet, or nostalgic. A few cuts are livened up by funky guitar licks, and string arrangements add a bit of a dramatic, classy sheen to tunes like "Sculptures." Perhaps refreshingly, Estela never tries too hard to capture some sort of vintage sound, nor does he seem concerned about trying to stay current. All Too Familiar is simply a fine, enjoyable release reflecting a lifelong passion for music-making. ~ Paul Simpson, Rovi
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