DJ Shadow
The Private Press

THE REVIEW

Sometimes time must pass.

Dj Shadow returns about six years after his debut "Endtroducing". He does it in an absolutely ingenious, free, joyful, and cheerful manner.
We couldn't have been more flattering about his return, and these thirteen new tracks part of "The Private Press" surprise for the second time, exploring different and complementary shores, painting atmospheres united by a unique inimitable philosophy, reviving the initial concept of the original alternative nature of hip hop without the need for mega-productions or blockbuster-like scenic effects, simply using the head and hands.

Dj Shadow writes a perfect album, this "The Private Press", adding hundreds of samples and particularly loungy and relaxing soundscapes to the starting ingredients, establishing himself as a master and at the same time a student of a parallel current of instrumental hip hop, breakbeat of the new sound era – taking inspiration from the wild exceptions of Dj Krush and rounding them out in his own way – creating a miracle on all fronts, from the electro-breakdance of "Walkie Talkie", heritage of Afrika Bambaataa and Mantronix, to moments of musical introspection like "Giving Up The Ghost" or the sophisticated "Six Days" (one of the few song form moments of the entire album), to the expanded dub liquidity of "Monosilabik", until even changing identity during "You Can’t Go Home Again": some new wave inspiration and the play is done.

Dj Shadow amazes once again with an album of absolute respect and value, capable of transforming itself every time space and time are dedicated to it, insinuating itself into the listener as a 'simple electronic music disc' and cleverly replacing itself as a masterful example of monological originality.
If in "Endtroducing" he was the debutante who astonishes, in the UNKLE project the supporting role and philosopher, in "The Private Press" he is the clever and wise advisor for a long imaginary journey.