A longtime Dublab regular and resident DJ at the now-defunct Low End Theory weekly, L.A. beat scene forefather
Elvin Estela
has twisted through several modes throughout his recording career as
Nobody
, from moody instrumental hip-hop to gentle psychedelia. The 2010s have brought his most modern-sounding music yet, with 2010's Auto-Tune-soaked
One for All Without Hesitation
followed by the trap-influenced
Vivid Green
in 2013.
All Too Familiar
is another change of approach for
Estela
-- he wrote most of the album on his guitar, and it's completely free of samples or vocals. Joined on several tracks by regular collaborators such as
Damon Aaron
and former
Mars Volta
member
Marcel Rodriguez-Lopez
,
explores a sort of earthy post-rock not unlike
David Pajo
's solo work as
Papa M
, but still informed by a cratedigger's ear for breakbeat-like rhythms. All of the tracks basically sound like they could've been covers of tracks originally assembled from samples. There's an even, steady pacing to the arrangements, and the crisp drums, played by
's friend
Andres Renteria
, certainly sound like loops rather than live, loose jamming. All of which makes the album fit in with
's catalog more than it might seem at first, even if he's clearly approaching his craft in a different way. The album generally has a relaxed, reflective mood, with certain tracks being a shade more wistful, sweet, or nostalgic. A few cuts are livened up by funky guitar licks, and string arrangements add a bit of a dramatic, classy sheen to tunes like "Sculptures." Perhaps refreshingly,
never tries too hard to capture some sort of vintage sound, nor does he seem concerned about trying to stay current.
is simply a fine, enjoyable release reflecting a lifelong passion for music-making. ~ Paul Simpson