The evolution of Flying Lotus has been marvelous. Each album has been different from the last and from 1983 to Cosmogramma, all maintained or surpassed the producer's high standards. Flying Lotus' sound has a myriad of elements. It can be glitchy, jazzy, hip-hop structured, and even psychedelic. This distinct style has made him stand out as one of the most interesting artists of his time.
Flying Lotus embraces his jazz influences more than ever before on You're Dead!. The result is thirty-eight hectic minutes that are a very different experience from his previous work. The way the album switches between different styles and paces so constantly can be jarring, but as a whole, the album is extremely powerful. Somehow, everything feels like it's in the right place. With things like the odd vocals of "The Boys Who Died In Their Sleep", the forceful guitars of "Cold Dead" and Thundercat's shredding bass in "Telsa", You're Dead! is a magnificent piece of work.
"Never Catch Me" is two artists who rank among the best of their generation - at their best. Kendrick Lamar has a jaw-dropping verse before the song transitions into an impressive instrumental. The eerie soul of "Coronus, the Terminator" has absolutely beautiful singing. "Moment of Hesitation", a two minute and eighteen-second journey into the unknown, is blessed with the keys of the legendary Herbie Hancock.
Songs like the clearly improvisation-based "Moment of Hesitation" may make listeners wonder how long the recorded sessions that were cut to form You're Dead! are. Here's hoping they see the light of day in a ten-year anniversary release. Although You're Dead! will not appeal to everyone, it's idiosyncratic exploratory nature makes it well worth the price of admission.
