Augustus Watkins has been cranking out his electronic instrumental fare as Tulip Tiger for quite a while. His Bandcamp page has hilarious "endorsements" from fellow GIVE/TAKE artists (EbE404's "You'll like it" is probably true, but it's also one of the driest takedowns of online "reviews" I've seen), and that playful feel is reflected in these songs.

Tulip Tiger Da Meanz of Production (GIVE/TAKE)

This album is much closer to Chemical Brothers than other Tulip Tiger sets. Watkins doesn't fully embrace the big beats, but otherwise the vibes are very tight. Propulsive bangers driven by organic sounds within an electronic universe.

The songs are far less conceptual. Watkins is as inventive as ever, but he makes sure his songs here are ready to make a floor convulse. His deconstruction of the "this number is no longer in service" tones and use of the reassembled sound as the centerpiece of "Feeling Good Now Yes" is especially arresting.

I've been up and down with earlier Tulip Tiger releases. This is easily Watkins best set with his alter ego. It's easy to just settle in and smile. And why not?

Jon Worley