Gonjasufi's debut album The Sufi And A Killer on the highly respected Warp label repressed! Lab heads out there hardly need an introduction to his spaced-out, psych-hop styles) as the 7" singles that preceded this are all sold out and out-of-print. Together with Gaslamp Killer on beats (as well as a few guest beats by LA's finest - Flying Lotus and Mainframe), Gonjasufi transports you to a realm of tripped out lyrics, cryptic chants and psychedelic beat stew. The album starts off with a strange soundscapes that breaks into the "Kobwebz" to set you on the right astral plane, then kicks into the Flylo-produced "Ancestors" with its heavy sitar bump. By now you are in the proper headspace to appreciate the soft melodies of "Sheep" and conversely, distorted rock of "She Gone" and "SuzieQ" that highlight Sufi's vocal range. Check the highly smoked out groove of "Kowboyz&Indians," the slo-mo gangster funk of "Change," "Duet," the sampled boogie funk goodness of "Candylane," "Holidays" and "Klowds." There's certainly a lot of material to wrap your head around on this album, making it perfect for repeated listens (as well as repeated smoke sessions). Gatefold sleeve with digital download included, recommended.

• gatefold sleeve
• digital download included
• music label: Warp Records 2016

reviewed by 09/2016