Electric Rain, a summer release from Porter Ray opens with dialogue from a movie. It’s the type of sample you find on many of his records, but here it’s a murder scene and followed by some completely unexpected synth-heavy production courtesy of Tele Fresco. It’s hard not to see this transition as symbolic, as with this cover, with its imminently devouring sharp teeth… This album is one of reincarnation. Old Porter is giving way to something new. This is Porter Ray making addictive, sexy-as-hell Seattle-style dance music. “Cognac Aphrodisiac” is a must-listen, where an idyllic birds-chirping scene gives way to a full-fledged anime laser battle. JusMoni appears of five of these ten tracks, most notably on the entrancing “Bed Lion.” I’ve had this record on repeat for most of the year. You get to the luxurious floating piano on the closing song and then right back and start the journey all over again.

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Porter Ray: Watercolor Porter Ray: Nightfall JusMoni: As Saffroniaa Porter Ray: FNDMNTLS Porter Ray: BLK GLD Various Artists: Solar Power: New Sounds in Seattle Hip-Hop Bruce Leroy x 1stBorn: HOME Chimurenga Renaissance: Girlz With Gunz