Most self-contained artists tend to ramble on. After all, no one is telling them to stop. Lamont Brown goes the other way. He finds a groove, wears it out and that's it. None of the eleven songs here reach three minutes in length, but a full trip through this set feels impossibly rich.

RNIE Full Neptune (self-released)

Perhaps that's because Brown doesn't stick to any one sound or feel. He clearly lays down some basic thoughts with standard electronic equipment, but the songs themselves can veer into R&B, alterna-rock, hip-hip or collage. Truthfully, most pieces have plenty of found sound, but the key element might be beats, guitar, keyboard or something scrounged.

Despite the obvious craft and assembly, the results are remarkably laid back. I suppose Beck might be an obvious influence, but Brown does not allow himself any room for self-indulgence. His obvious mantra is get in, get good, get out.

I guess this also qualifies as lo-fi, but the production can get awfully lush for that. RNIE creates an intoxicating sound that is endlessly hypnotic. The sort of late-night music that makes you want the evening to go on forever. Startlingly mature and fresh. The vibes just might go on into infinity.

Jon Worley