Thundercat - It Is What It Is (Review)

Psychedelic-soul that looks back, not forwards...

I'm definitely a defender of retro-flavoured music that recreates and updates upon old and outmoded formulas without the need for any significant nods to the time in which it's actually being made and, outside of the odd vaguely experimental moment here and there, that's exactly what you get with Thundercat on It Is What It Is, an album that wastes no time in its dive into its jazz and funk. Despite the time between releasing this and his previous album Drunk, Thundercat feels just as light on his feet in terms of both his quippy lyrics and tranquil delivery, his basswork standing out especially even through the often murky production.

The production definitely drags things down a little, the instrumentation feeling bogged down and almost sludgy with the exception of the vocals and bass in an unfortunate attempt to create the lofi aesthetic this album strives for, despite sounding its best on the more polished tracks. It's a shame that the tone of the album can get as dampened as it does, as it almost cancels out the natural peppiness in whatever Thundercat does. That's not to say there aren't some fantastic moments though, from the seamless transitions early on to the jazzy solos and drum build on the closing track. The single "DragonBall Durag" has been a positive staple of my year thus far with its equal parts humourous, equal parts infectiously catchy lyrics and melody, the sound of the song free from the flaws that hinder many of the other tracks on the album.

Aside from the unnecessary interludes and degrading production, most of the songs here are able to stand on their own two feet and entertain me, making this an album I feel rather conflicted on. Overall, I'm leaning towards the more positive side, but it's a cautionary recommendation and not as wholehearted as I'd like it to be.

7/10

Best Tracks: Interstellar Love; Black Qualls; Funny Thing; DragonBall Durag; Unrequited Love; Fair Chance; It Is What It Is
Worst Tracks: How I Feel; Existential Dread; Miguel's Happy Dance

Watch the video for "DragonBall Durag"

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"It Is What It Is"

Thundercat

3rd April 2020

Brainfeeder

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