Black Origami
by Jlin
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 83 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 83
  3. Negative: 10 out of 83
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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Oct 11, 2021
    8
    An intricate SICK footwork album from the genres best. Filled with new industrial sounds,captivating cover art and intriguing song titles this record succeeds in pulling me in&keeping me entertained.
  2. samwich21
    Apr 9, 2018
    10
    On the first listen, it was just a bunch of nonsensical noises, but as I listened again, it all started to make sense.
  3. Maxxxb
    Aug 29, 2017
    10
    Having lived with this album for a few months now I would say it's one of the best, if not the best of 2017. A single minded intensity drives these rhythmic compositions; what may seem repetitive or annoying to some, takes on a spiritual dimension after a few listens and it's these variations on a theme which make the album what it is. Tracks which, on first listen, might sound similarHaving lived with this album for a few months now I would say it's one of the best, if not the best of 2017. A single minded intensity drives these rhythmic compositions; what may seem repetitive or annoying to some, takes on a spiritual dimension after a few listens and it's these variations on a theme which make the album what it is. Tracks which, on first listen, might sound similar sonically, are in fact saying very different things emotionally, and structurally. Highlights for me are the William Basinski collab 'Holy Child' in which a Bulgarian(?) choir is chopped into English sounding phonemes, over an impossibly syncopated rhythm, and 'Challenge' in which Jlin cycles through the instrumentation of different cultures in the manner of an African American drumline.… Expand
  4. Iamnonesfriend
    Aug 24, 2017
    10
    Without a doubt one of the most forward thinking releases of 2017. Although loosely based around the footwork genre this album barely falls into this pigeonhole. I see this record as futuristic techno, sparse and beautiful. The intricate beats and silences create a sense of foreboding at times oppressive and claustrophobic but on repeated listens opens up and really sounds like aWithout a doubt one of the most forward thinking releases of 2017. Although loosely based around the footwork genre this album barely falls into this pigeonhole. I see this record as futuristic techno, sparse and beautiful. The intricate beats and silences create a sense of foreboding at times oppressive and claustrophobic but on repeated listens opens up and really sounds like a futuristic soundscape of indian and african drums set to a backdrop of decaying cities and space.… Expand
  5. DavidWasHere
    Jul 30, 2017
    7
    it's a perfectly fine album. Fun in a lot of places and as an introduction to footwork I think it's creative what Jlin can do mixing these African and World beats to typical IDM sounds. Maybe it's all the hype but honestly I don't think it's like amazing or anything. Namely it's just not super impressive. It can be a bit stale and repetitive at times on the record and maybe it's because ofit's a perfectly fine album. Fun in a lot of places and as an introduction to footwork I think it's creative what Jlin can do mixing these African and World beats to typical IDM sounds. Maybe it's all the hype but honestly I don't think it's like amazing or anything. Namely it's just not super impressive. It can be a bit stale and repetitive at times on the record and maybe it's because of my love of Aphex Twin but the sounds here are not that spectacular. Still it's a fun listen, but nothing too spectacular sadly. Although I will say as a fellow Indiana resident I do rep for my fellow Hoosiers when they make it big! :)… Expand
  6. aladdinsane12
    Jul 14, 2017
    6
    The album is complex when it comes to the sounds, but if you are in for a complex album when it comes to composition this is going to be a huge letdown, Jlin goes from A to Z with the sounds, creating an atmosphere, sure, but its own atmosphere might be its biggest weakness. This record is too dense to attract listeners and to engage them.
  7. WhiskeyStories
    Jul 3, 2017
    7
    Another record this year that's been hyped up like hell by critics, but I just don't get why. Black Origami is an adventurous album with some very fun and unique tribal and militaristic beats with very clever mixing and a sense of humour. There are tracks that are truly fantastic, like "Kyanite", but there are also ones that I simply found bad, like the title track. Overall the good veryAnother record this year that's been hyped up like hell by critics, but I just don't get why. Black Origami is an adventurous album with some very fun and unique tribal and militaristic beats with very clever mixing and a sense of humour. There are tracks that are truly fantastic, like "Kyanite", but there are also ones that I simply found bad, like the title track. Overall the good very much so outweighs the bad and it's a solid very enjoyable album, that I could see myself return to many times in the future, but it's just simply not as amazing as it's critical response would have you believe.… Expand
  8. Aloxb3
    Jul 3, 2017
    6
    It's not the kind of music I'd listen to in my car. But those who produce know that making an album with this theme using these types of sounds is very difficult. It's a real "Trip sound", your mom ain't understand!
  9. Evic21
    Jun 11, 2017
    7
    While most of these songs have a very intricate and engrossing sonic pallet, it falls flat when she constantly bombards us with one annoying sound per song that keeps droning in the background, taking away from the other 90% of audio brilliance.
  10. Music_Observer
    Jun 8, 2017
    7
    While techniques within the layering stayed quite stagnant and the constant additions of ideas lost some sense of resolve, the diversity within the melodic loops and cool percussive beats made this a neat, ambitious work. My Score: 121/180 (Good) = 6.7/10

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best Album of 2017
98
#98 Most Discussed Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. The Wire
    Aug 8, 2017
    80
    There’s a gracefulness to Patton’s rhythms that sets her apart from other footwork producers--something deeply contemplative. [Jun 2017, p.66]
  2. Pretty Much Amazing
    Jun 28, 2017
    83
    Make no mistake--this is an album that’s challenging and demands attention, but if you can stay focused, you’ll be richly rewarded.
    Read full review
  3. Mixmag
    Jun 5, 2017
    80
    Sometimes the constant shifts can leave you reeling and wondering what Jlin is trying to get at, but it’s never long before they pick you up again and pull you back into it. This is the sound of a huge talent blossoming.
    Read full review
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