8/10

Over these last few years, Portland-based artist and producer Chris Calarco aka The Numb Project has been cultivating a rich and sprawling aesthetic in which to call his own. Branching out his innovative direction with a range of diverse influences and inspirations, he has been quick to establish a place for himself as one of the more inventive names doing the rounds right now. And after continued praise for his much-loved 'Transmissions From A Troubled Radio' LP earlier this year, he is back once again with his fourth studio album 'Definition', a record that continues that adventurous spirit once again.

Much like what his recent material has been showcasing, 'Definition' looks to place itself somewhere between the anthemic and the ethereal. Combining this subtle blend of big beats and throbbing baselines with a more tranquil atmosphere from start to finish, this eleven-track collection continues that rich and passionate texture he has always been able to conjure. Tracks like 'New Direction' and 'Morning Kidz' perfectly illustrate this new venture's approach to sound and texture, creating this subtle blend of hip-hop-inspired grooves with a more otherworldly tone as it plays. Now beginning to play in the same ballpark as Flying Lotus and DJ Shadow with this mesmerising aura, he is offering up something more refined and centred than his previous full-length, allowing him to come into its own here as he makes use of a diverse array of instrumentation in order to bring his latest vision to life.

It has certainly been a busy time for him these last few years, but 'Definition' certainly feels like a bold step forward for his sound to date. Moving with these warm and inviting flows across the whole release, The Numb Project really finds its feet on this new LP.