With Animal Squad, Scott Cairns, a.k.a. Puppyhertz, has created an instantly compelling LP. With driving hip-hop beats that never let up, Cairns lays down music that alternates between jazz, sound collage, and ambient electronica in just under 35 minutes. Most of his songs start simply, just a beat and bass lick, building in complexity as he overlays jazzy horns or sound samples. The highlight of these sound samples is found on the aleatoric track "Geto Petal," when a rapping mc's voice is obliterated into a devastating beat. Great beats are the norm on the album, as Cairns' unique sense of rhythm never disappoints. The Books seem to have had an influence on Cairns, as he proffers similar superimpositions of sound-samples and melancholic melodies, creating the same wonderful eeriness that defines The Books' work. But while capturing these sound collage and hip-hop thrills, he also captures the gentle fluidity of ambient electronica artists such as Manitoba. These characteristics combine to create music that is instantly accessible but never boring. However, the record has a little trouble getting off the ground, as Cairns roars through a number of beats and melodies without letting the listener get comfortable with any particular one; and at times the sample's he uses, while trying to be humorous, come off as corny. But these flaws are short lived and forgivable. Overall, Puppyhertz's Animal Squad is a gem of an album that, while not breaking down any doors, may have brought electronic music just a little closer to perfection.
1. Son
2. Cookies..Too
3. Theme de Frankenberry
4. Geto Petal
5. Wiggles
6. Alicia Beat
7. G.A.T.
8. Glass Ass
9. Horseshoes and Hand Grenades
10. Headless
11. Ohh...Concrete
12. Moosic Machine
13. Singers
More about: Puppyhertz
