DELS
Gob
(Big Dada Records)

Raw, rigid, sharp and clever, the new album entitle Gob is a crafty mix of a firestorm of words that resonate wickedly over a cutting edge IDM or glitch musical palette. UK hip hop artist DELS, also known as Kieren Dickens, has a sonically harmonious rap style that coils around twisting beats and shifting yet funky instrumentals. The furtiveness of “Hydronenburg” is a stealth delivery of raps over a flowerbed of prickly synths and electro computer hums, noises, sounds and tweaks. The electro jazz swing of “Capsize” features Roots Manuva and Joe Goodard of Hot Chip and speaks on war, weapons and unity. “DLR” is musically a sleepy romantic, yet more moody cerebral outfit featuring Elan Tamara on vocals, while the ostentatious “Shapeshift” brags about DELS’ ability to move against and with change depending upon his ability to shift.

At times more superhero-infused and at other times just a take on his character, the album gleefully moves with a slithering of arrogant bass splashes. DELS’ witty lyrics and wordplay on “Droogs” is a serious, powerful tale about a family dealing with the haunting of sexual abuse. The composition of DELS’ lyrics is the thread that successfully ties together the choppy IDM sound. Both halves equal an album endearing and engaging.