Lazer Sword (self-titled)
LABEL: Innovative Leisure
A Google search of Lazer Sword (and even Lazer Sword member Lando Kal) will bring up pages related to film series Star Wars; which is fitting seeing as how their debut self-titled album definitely sounds like it came from “a galaxy far, far, away.” Lazer Sword, consisting of Low Limit and Lando Kal, bring us the best of LA and New York respectively in this ground-breaking, long-awaited, first album. This may be an “official” debut but these boys have been prodigies for about four years now on the electronic dance circuit. A couple of mixtapes and a 7”, an EP, and the single “Gucci Sweatshirt” have all added to the build up of hype leading up to this release. As I write this, the album is still a week off and already the web is flooded with a deluge of remixes.
“I just don’t know if the world is ready for intergalactic, trip-hop, electro, and nintendocore—and so many other influences—all living in one soundscape.”
Lazer Sword is a DJ/producer duo so, naturally, the album is largely instrumental which makes the four tracks with vocalist cameos all the more enjoyable. Most notable being “Machine” featuring Zackey Force Funk. The bassline is absolutely relentless and ZFF provides vocals with the just the right combination of nonchalantness and sexuality to make this song great. “Topflites” (written “Topflights” on Lazer Sword’s website) features M. Sayyid rapping over spacey beats, showcasing how versatile Lazer Sword really is. They could easily go from a hip-hop club, to a rave, to an indie bar and all would welcome them to take over the turntable and take us to the future. While “Four Loko” makes a really terrible drink “4Loko” is a really fantastic dubstep track. It starts off soft and a bit timid, take your attention away from the song for even a second and you could miss the subtle build up. As satisfying as it is, I think “Web Swag” might have to be the best dubstep track here. “Batman” is the first single and while not my favorite, its a strong track to lead in with. The skintight drumline creates a suspenseful feeling when put with darker house beats and eerie unaccredited vocals. The only track that falls short here is the uber short, “Skybox”. While not a bad track at all it could have been so much more. It feels unfinished.
I’m really hoping Lazer Sword doesn’t get overlooked like so many other great artists who are ahead of their time. I just don’t know if the world is ready for intergalactic, trip-hop, electro, and nintendocore—and so many other influences—all living in one soundscape. Ready or not, they’re here and if this album is any indication, Lazer Sword is going to be around for a very, very, long time. 
REVIEWED BY STEPHEN RICARDO
STEPHEN’S FAVORITE TRACKS: “Machine” • “Web Swag” • “Topflites”
FREE MP3: “I’m Gone (Rustie remix)”
FREE MP3: Lazer Sword Album Mini-Mix
Lazer Sword - Lazer Sword from Innovative Leisure on Vimeo.
