In a couple of days, hard copies of Mvstermind, a.k.a. Mastermind Einstein’s new album A.D.D. (Artistically Day Dreaming) ships out to the United States. A newcomer to the world of indie, electro hip hop, Mastermind Einstein aims to prove his mettle with this well-crafted album.
By far, the most impressive aspect of this record is the production and the musicality. Although Mvstermind claims that this album was produced from the basement of his parents’ house, this album suggests that his parents’ basement might be slightly different from the ordinary. But I jest, as the production quality obviously comes from this young man’s bright mind. The mixing and mastering of every song makes each track sound smooth and professional while still maintaining a genuine quality. In short, this album is not overproduced. Furthermore, each track blends many different vocal snippets and samples seemingly effortlessly – slightly reminiscent of Madlib’s style. If there’s anything that Mvstermind can rely on, it’s his production skills.
Another promising quality of this album is the musicality that lies behind each track. With electro hip hop, it’s easy to use the power of the synths to over-hype each song and thus drown out the vibe of that song. However, the tracks on this album features synths more as a texture to create pulsing, throbbing low frequency bass lines that hypnotize you whether listening in the day or at night. The hooks and the instrumentals that Mastermind Einstein writes are like the night: subtle and powerful.
The one aspect of this album that doesn’t rub quite right with me, is Mastermind’s own delivery. Whether it’s coincidence or not, this album sounds like Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city. Even so that his lyrical delivery sounds like he’s trying to mimic Kendrick Lamar’s style. However, the mimicry lacks the wit and raw feel and then starts to stagnate towards the end of album. Luckily though, he incorporates many other emcees and singers on this album to keep it interesting.
Overall, A.D.D. is completely worth the $7 ($12 for hard copy). Although it might look like another cheap indie, basement-created CD, it’s quite the contrary. Mvstermind’s production style is by far one of the best I’ve heard from an individual of his level this year and I encourage you to at least give him a chance. However, I would prefer if he stuck to producing other emcees – that way, it pushes the art to the highest level.
7/10
