Prefuse 73
One Word Extinguisher

Scott Herren is undoubtedly one of the most eclectic personalities in the entire contemporary music scene. Already known for his multiple side projects (Delarosa & Asora, Savath + Savalas), a disciple of Aphex Twin and Squarepusher, good Scott, donning the pseudonym Prefuse 73, attempts to apply the rhythmic and melodic deconstruction of his masters to Hip-Hop music, with more than satisfying results. The first "Vocal Studies + Uprock Narratives" (Warp, 2001) had already highlighted his abilities as a producer and experimenter, and the subsequent "One Word Extinguisher" only confirms them in their entirety. Released in 2003, once again with the faithful Warp, "One Word Extinguisher" is another piece of the Prefuse experience, ending up completing and expanding on the dialogue initiated with the previous album.

The work comprises 21 tracks plus 2 bonus pieces, for a total of an hour of great music, where the electronic-ambient component seems, in some cases, to take over the typical 4/4, without however compromising the excellent overall outcome. What is surprising about the record is surely the almost impressionistic use of the sampler, the continuous succession of frenetic "cut and paste" which ends up schizophrenically deconstructing any voice and melody, for an innovative and at times almost shocking result. Already in the opening "The End Of Biters - International," the intertwining of engaging rhythms and mad vocal cut-ups will make the skeptical listener unable to doubt the actual genius of Scott Herren and his deep knowledge of the subject matter (Hip-Hop, indeed).
Proceeding with the listening, one will certainly not be disappointed by gems like "Plastic," accompanied by the precious rhymes of the ever-excellent Diverse (also not to be missed is his solo debut "One A.M."), or "Busy Signal (Make You Go Bombing Mix)," a schizoid production by four hands with Daedelus where the rhythm is even constructed with the beatbox of the legendary Biz Markie. And what about the romantic incursions of "90% Of My Mind Is With You" and, above all, "Why I Love You" with Jenny Vasquez, where our protagonist dismantles and reassembles voices like childhood toys, creating improbable yet deep and sensual melodies, up until the marvelous "Storm Returns," which alone is worth the purchase of the album. "Analyzing the past, Prefuse designs the future," so could be summarized the intents of an album like "One Word Extinguisher," a valuable work with which Scott Herren succeeds in rejuvenating Hip-Hop from all its most stale clichés and elevates it to a new state of grace, achieving, if not absolute perfection, at least some excellent heights, proving how even without glitz, sequins, and limousines, great music can be produced. "One Word Extinguisher" is proof of this, don't let it slip away. Rating: 4.5