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Reviewed by Jesse Austin

Affsid Kidjhagiffy: Why Do All Garden Sheds Smell The Same?

Reviewed by Jesse Austin

Affsid Kidjhagiffy: Why Do All Garden Sheds Smell The Same?

This sophomore release from Auckland-based artist Eli Dobbyn, aka Affsid Kidjhagiffy, embraces the minimalism of ambient music. . Created over 2016, a well-refined aesthetic helps hold the nine tracks of this album together. The stripped back cover artwork reflects the space that Kidjhagiffy leaves for the music. Rather than sit as a collection of songs it works effectively as a single work. While seeming to never overstate himself, this release can be placed somewhere between experimental beats and electro-acoustic composition. War Is Ugly is an aggressive and confrontational piece that along with its title, feels almost like a direct commentary of the current political climate around the world. The soothing Antipro follows, almost as if to calm the listener, telling them that everything will be okay, with its drones and evolving textures. Surprise is one of the few tracks with vocals, however these have been distorted and pitch shifted down, blending the voice within the texture of the piece, effectively becoming another layer rather than a focal point.