Lantern
by Hudson Mohawke
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: Jun 16, 2015
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 23
  3. Negative: 2 out of 23
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. ProbMad66
    Jun 14, 2017
    7
    What should a dance album really be? A reminiscence of countless raves from the past? A subtle variety in beats? Hud Mo gives a pretty explicit answer: it should be fun. With endless want of "originality" and "uniqueness" in contemporary music industry most EDM producers focused all of their attention on creating a sound of their own, their trademark. Although the idea by itself isn't thatWhat should a dance album really be? A reminiscence of countless raves from the past? A subtle variety in beats? Hud Mo gives a pretty explicit answer: it should be fun. With endless want of "originality" and "uniqueness" in contemporary music industry most EDM producers focused all of their attention on creating a sound of their own, their trademark. Although the idea by itself isn't that harmful it did bring many problems to the table. People became obsessed with the idea of creating something completely new, which leads us to the present moment, where we already lack decent dance record producers, since there's almost nobody actually looking forward to creating a likable record, but creating a "unique concept" seems like their central idea. Sometimes this notion even leads to the creation of a pseudo-nostalgic album that borrows that originality from the long-gone and very adored culture, that doesn't do much but destroy the appreciation for the genre (I'm not calling names, but everybody knows who I'm talking about).
    And here we have Hudson Mohawke with his little sister humbly and softly pronouncing his stage name at the beginning of the record. An ironic little gesture to oh-so-many DJ's who just love to put their names in their record, screaming them, until you go completely paranoid. But this is different... This is much more personal, sincere, almost like that little whisper in the wind that attracts your attention to something much greater. And it does. The Pan Sonic-ish noise completely surrounds you the next second. But it's almost harmonic, gently guiding you even further, to your first breath. We should all say thank you to Hudson to at least be one of the few EDM producers to actually try to create a conceptual album. It's spiritually, emotionally connected. The album just screams for a genuine little smile, almost a smirk on your face, for you body to smoothly move, following the flow of soul-driven tracks.
    There's so much more to mention about this album, but what I feel many miss in regards to understanding the album, is freedom to move. It IS a dance record after all. Try to shake off the strict attitude of a musical snob and just enjoy the way your body reacts to the almost-perfect production. After all, it cannot be denied. This album does make you want to dance, fully fulfilling its role.    … Expand
  2. clem666
    Dec 20, 2021
    8
    This is the first time I listen to one of Hudson Mohawke's albums. I was appalled by this guy's versatility. Even if it rarely leaves the electro side, its music remains highly refreshing, intense, unexpected and pure in one of the weirdest ways. He surprisingly manages to fuse both accessible 'mainstream' pop and experimental electro. The progressiveness of each and every track is a signThis is the first time I listen to one of Hudson Mohawke's albums. I was appalled by this guy's versatility. Even if it rarely leaves the electro side, its music remains highly refreshing, intense, unexpected and pure in one of the weirdest ways. He surprisingly manages to fuse both accessible 'mainstream' pop and experimental electro. The progressiveness of each and every track is a sign of true originality and transpires from his desire to constantly renew his music approach. Obviously some of his moves appear to be failed or less rewarding than the rest, as 'Lil Djembe' or 'System'... but I guess the most important is to remember that he tried. However 'Lantern' remains a notable HudMo album paved with a gigantic amount of a rough and touching energy. 'Lantern' can roar as it can observe a resourceful and religious silence.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. Clash Music
    Jul 13, 2015
    50
    We really want to like Lantern for its originality; its bravery and its attempt to grasp a genuine uninhibited euphoria that isn't easy pull off. Sadly it just misses the mark way too often and leaves you with fleeting glimpses of what could have been a very exciting album.
    Read full review
  2. Magnet
    Jul 8, 2015
    40
    Even as it completely eschews Mohawke's maximalist, hyperkinetic style of old for a newfound soft side, Lantern registers as a limp, populist gesture for how ham-fistedly it attempts to reconcile the two. [No. 122, p.57]
  3. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Jun 30, 2015
    70
    Slightly unfocused by design, Lantern broadens HudMo’s repertoire while also reaffirming his status as the premier producer of the sound that brought him to fame.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »