Jon Hopkins - Singularity ALBUM REVIEW

[@monkeywrench501]

I believe the point of the ambient latter half was that Jon was trying to emulate a psychedelic trip, from it's ups to its eventual crash. At least, that's what I've gathered from what he said in several articles that were published during the album cycle. So Jon wasn't really frontloading all of his bangers during the first half for no reason. In a way it makes me appreciate the second hlaf; the first half were the bangers, rising in intensity, until it reached a sort of climax. The latter half is there to help you wind down from the excitement that the first half brings.

[@MrPatters]

Review every element on the periodic table.

[@zainery]

Mr.Pat - Oxygen really helps me survive; im feeling a strong 10.

[@leftovernoise]

Zain Rizvi fairly certain he would only give oxygen a light to decent 8

[@movimentodoscacos]

jordan marks nah, he would give it at least a 9 because of Swans

[@yourlocalnimrod9249]

carbon dioxide gives him those incredible smoothies. classic out of ten

[@smirkkink1663]

NOT GOOD

[@heyvsoucejobahere6763]

Obviously I get your point, but simply can't agree with it. The clear split between the techno and the ambient parts has its purpouse, as if first we're leaving earth, burning fuel, breaking the atmosphere, but then, as we reach space, that's it, we're all silent, doomed for nothingness. Of f**king course I'm just a fan overthinking a good techno album, but that's what fans do, and I'm so glad that Jon went deep into this space adventure, leaving so many thoughtfull moments yet not saying a single word.

[@Ideennot]

It's not even overthinking. Hopkins said that Singularity is a concept album.

[@niu_arx]

yeah this is literally the point of the album, it's supposed to be a universe expanding from a singularity and then collapsing back into a singularity, hence why it ends on the same note as it started. hopkins literally stated this himself haha

[@culturebutter]

I think fantano misses the bigger picture here. The AOTY picture

[@RabbiVideoTube]

I feel like the first half feels more like space and the second more grounded, like coming down into an open field. I don't view the album as making me feel "doomed for nothingness". I feel like it's a pretty positive experience, not a depressing or empty one. But the fact that people can have different experiences with the album is what makes it special.

[@D3r3k2323]

leaving earth... You mean leaving your mind, lol.

[@muhammadabiyyu8528]

DJ Koze please

[@ercanilegroeg]

Emerald Rush though. Maybe, it's just me, but that song is one of the greatest listens I have had the joy of. The messing of the rhythm at the start, how each layer builds, the ethereal vibes over the pleasant chord sequence all carried by a thumping beat Aaahhh. Too much nice. Totally agree with your comment on the album starting strong but finishing weaker though.

[@ElectronicGems]

Every time Anthony says "transition" in a review it's like when a character says the movie title in a movie

[@explanationmark_]

what are we, some kind of tran-sition?

[@beflygelt]

........you mean he breaks the fourth wall?

[@cirrus_synths]

Oh, hey EG!

[@MordecaiWalfish]

Jon visited Alex Grey in New York, took some DMT, and recorded an album. Look at the album in this light and it makes a lot more sense, both musically and through the flow of the album.

[@MrSeafloat]

Source?

[@ScorpFin]

Album gets a 10/10 from me. I actually LOVE C O S M.

[@michaelroy6630]

YES. I don't think I've heard a track before that rises, peaks and fades out so gradually and so masterfully. C O S M is better described as an aural experience than a song imo.

[@brianmcallister7114]

An album that is wholly satisfying and can really only be appreciated listened to in its entirety. In a time of attention span deficient Spotify boppers this is a long burner to enjoy for years.

[@Bishcona]

LOL MORE LIKE NERDLEDROP AMIRITE CAL

[@alrecks619]

Bishcona more like Melondrop

[@Bishcona]

Axle Rolland GOTTEM

[@e.t4635]

Bishcona *[insert 50s laugh track]*

[@e8ghtmileshigh1]

Noodlederp

[@chrislawuk]

It’s all about Insides for me. But everything Jon does I love. The first time I heard Abandon Window it sort of crashed my entire existence for hours as I listened to it over and over. Still haven’t properly listened to this one yet tho. Also, damn, EVERY TIME Anthony and the Fantanos says “transition” I get extremely in-cohered

[@RustinChole]

Chris have you heard the Moderat remix of abandon windows? So good.

[@iRunfastXC]

Honestly one of my favorite albums of the year. Incredibly immersive listen.

[@Timmsstuff]

"blatant use of reverb and other effects" ok then

[@vitano5681]

Do Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino!!!

[@offbeatkiki]

Was excited to hear your thoughts on this. Can't wait for the Beach House review :)

[@DrLongSchIong]

offbeat kiki oh shit ik u from the AnCo Facebook page!!

[@offbeatkiki]

Neil Malakar what's up Neil!! Yeah I'm pretty active on KZbin lol

[@xx-jp2yt]

Sup ma

[@offbeatkiki]

Sup! :) I make patrician playlist vids, check em out

[@timothyo718]

Review Beach House - 7 next.

[@muhammadabiyyu8528]

Review Damn. By Beach House

[@thagerty]

More electronic music and EDM reviews, please!

[@SultanSaad]

I love this album so much. Thanks for reviewing it!

[@lennyrose5852]

BEACH HOUSE

[@muhammadabiyyu8528]

Luminous Beings is my favourite

[@mandel4065]

Muhammad Abiyyu mine too, at first I was disappointed because I wanted a big climax, but then I appreciated how inspring and grand it feels while staying relatively lowkey.

[@2lowkey100]

Muhammad Abiyyu might be my favourite song of all time.

[@Sebvibevanse]

It's been a pretty good year for house music it seems.

[@xydamage9754]

I think the ambient part is crucial to the experience. Just as in Immunity, Jon takes you to a completely transcendental and blissful state of euphoria in the first tracks, once the album has peaked in Everything Connected, Jon can take you through a world of beauty with the ambient section. You wouldn't experience the beauty of those tracks in the same way if you didn't come from this state of total excitement. In Feel First Life I felt like I was witnessing some deep hidden truth of the universe. Like I had opened my first eye or some shit. Like it literally feels like you are ascending to a higher state of being. Listening to Feel First Life on its own wouldn't do that. The first part takes you to this altered state of mind, then you pass through this cathartic ambient part, and then Luminous beings takes you back. Recovery allows you to rest and reflect on what you have just witnessed before returning to the real world. The album is a journey, kind of like a psychedelic trip, or a very long meditation session. I think this album is Jon's absolute best work and will become a classic of electronic music. I think it deserves a strong 9.

[@joebanfi8531]

Listening to this again and I've got to disagree with Anthony about the second half when he says it's less powerful...maybe he's overlooked some of the intricacies in the more mellow songs... in "Echo Dissolve" the chord changes are extremely powerful because there are no repeats yet you never feel lost... it's like a jazz progression the way it keeps changing key so naturally throughout. Maybe this track is more for people who like Jon Hopkins' classical side, but it's lovely for everyone the way it leads you off into the ether and is such a refreshing change from usual chord progressions in this electronic sphere of music. And with "Luminous Beings", personally I'm not that into it but in his Song Exploder interview Hopkins said it was his favourite song he'd ever made, and he knows what he's talking about so surely there's some power in that song too! Enjoyed the review overall though so thanks Anthony!

[@broken932]

I JUST REALIZED ALL OF YOUR THUMBNAILS MERGE TO THE START OF THE VIDEO. CLEEEVVVVERR MELON!

[@fleakletheotter]

Took me a while to understand Immunity. I love an album that gets better and better with every listen. I hope it happens with Singularity.

[@CultureDTCTV]

Where is the 🅱oyce Da 5'9" , 🅱each House and 🅱arctic 🅱onkeys review ?

[@sean-ko6qc]

Where is ENDLESS

[@faybiel2981]

sean taylor right?!

[@Ben_Mdws]

Hurry up and give the Arctic Monkey’s album a 4 so we can all get on with our lives.

[@Elisione]

Are you gonna review Beware the Book of Eli fantano?

[@Newtoniumx]

No he should review Book of Ryan. It's probably way better.

[@mikhaildreivich5774]

No he's not because it was shit and not worth reviewing

[@ayoubkhiro4184]

The book of Ryan is so far one of Royce's best works.

[@Bigfluffydragongaming]

Done

[@mickydee896]

dude i just like listening to you talk about music. so fucking knowledgeable, its crazy

[@Khandshoe702]

Love you Fantano, great review, bud.

[@gebaskaras]

please review Donald Trump's progress report

[@alexballantine3973]

gebaskaras hhhahahahhHaJajJshs

[@GrahamBarth]

Progress?

[@tarkineWild]

P̶r̶o̶g̶r̶e̶s̶s̶ Regress

[@GrahamBarth]

I will cede that was impressive. It'll likely be the only good thing he ever does, but yes -- I suppose praise for that one particular thing is acceptable. That being said, Kim Jong-Un disagrees.

[@andreiferariu]

Yea, he's done pretty well so far tbh - could've been much much worse

[@nickfromCO]

Will you be getting to the Chuchesta Based Melon and Casino album review soon?

[@W1TCHMOUNTA1N]

Gorgeous album, phenomenal review. Checking your channel constantly for a review on The Body's new 'I Have Fought Against It, But I Can't Any Longer' album. Can't wait to hear what you think.

[@ianhickey3423]

You should review Alon Mor's Long Awaited Journey, he has the best sound design I've ever heard and has been backed by quite a few big electronic artists.

[@starbucke]

Thanks for reviewing another Jon Hopkins album. I think Immunity was better, but singularity is something i always want to listen to all the way through. I can't say that about most other artists I listen to today

[@Apsburner9717]

Ok. I'm kinda serious here he DAMN.ed this one

[@sweetwheatsy]

Really enjoyed the way this review was set out; it was quite evident you put a good deal of effort into it and also understood the style and what the album was going for (mentioning the meaning of the title, etc). I am personally biased, because I love electronic music, and so it'd be neat if you'd review more electronic albums.

[@slippymcgoo2004]

Love the subtle detail in the intro

[@playedescapade]

I wonder if I'm going to have to fight you when I watch your Beach House 7 review. I'll be waiting, melon.

[@balsamicfingerer]

seen jon live last week and i must say that this album has really grown on me this week.

[@dusthymn8187]

"Collider" from his Immunity album still takes my breath away

[@RealTrachta]

Thank you for reviewing this!

[@stephenkahlig1494]

I especially like your electronic music album reviews. I really agreed with the singularity album review. I’m hoping that you’ll put Four Tet’s latest album New Energy on the priority list. I find it to be, arguably, his best.

[@jackgillespie3431]

You better not give 7 a DAMN. Melon

[@peanutbutterpikachu]

Person: Anthony Butterfly: experimental hip hop that isn't specifically under the artist name death grips ex: Danny brown - XXX Dialogue: is this a death grips? Don't act like you aren't part of the problem.

[@demo_sphere]

Excellent review, definitely try to review the stunning Venetian Snares album next

[@cheetosl5757]

Wut, where endless

[@bodmon]

Hey man great review. You should check out Deepchord if you like grandeur sound scapes, think ambient, deep house & dub techno tones. Imo it comes across as being more palatable than Jon Hopkins more electro tinged ambient.

[@Im_JAMN]

Dorkthany Geektano

[@BillyFusco]

Hey Anthony, I suggest you listen to (and possibly review) "Unfortunate Snort" by Pinkly Smooth, a band The Rev (original and former A7X drummer). The album is classified as "metal", "punk", and "Avant-garde". I would also put it under the genre of "psychedelic", but you can be the judge. At a little under 30 minutes long, it's definitely worth a listen.

[@macewinduhugs3036]

WTF melon? Time for Beach House boy!

[@13Mikestar]

Can’t wait for that book of ryan review!

[@sidneyferrarez4252]

I know it's unrelated to this video, but R.I.P. Scott Hutchison.

[@RockOfGreece]

you have to know that what you said about the last track was right but IT WAS NOT A DRAWBACK since that was just what jon wanted to do. If you read the description on his bandcamp page, he states that the album "is a journey that returns to where it began - from the opening note of foreboding to the final sound of acceptance"

[@gregwestwood7453]

I’m guessing you’ll be reacting to Tranquility base hotel? Can’t wait!:)

[@nicks4802]

I smoked pot with Johnny Hopkins.... It was Johnny Hopkins and Sloan Kettering, and they were blazing that shit up everyday

[@mandel4065]

agreed that the back of the album is a bit too stretched out for me, but I get that's what he's trying to do. Luminous Beings is amazing tho and I like how Recovery fades out the album.

[@thomasdubien1308]

Maybe I like warped synth leads skipping into infinity across an astral pond of propulsive techno rythms with a heavy house bounce.

[@Matt-qn1dt]

I SMOKED POT WITH JOHNNY HOPKINS!!! IT WAS US AND SLOAN KETTERING, AND WE BLAZED THAT SHIT EVERY DAY.

[@ExplanationMarks]

Loved the Tiny Mix Tapes reference lol.

[@dunnonpurpose]

Spot on, excellent review.

[@djdeadhorses]

BLADEE REVIEW WHEN

[@Adi_1922]

Yo Melon where’s That ENDLESS REDUX ?

[@moahmed1681]

Spencer Brown - Illusion of Perfection

[@joedorben3504]

I was gonna come on here and complain about how he still hasnt reviewed Book Of Ryan despite the fact that it's been out for a full week now, but I went and listened to this album and it's actually pretty dope. Complaint rescinded (for now).

[@Natzure]

I haven't cried in years, Anthony. For god's sake.

[@michael_gibbs]

Glad I'm not alone in thinking ending the album with Luminous Beings was an underwhelming end. Still a brilliant album, but I may be biased as a big fan of Jon.

[@crazypo0d0g]

Never heard of jon Hopkins but now I wanna listen to him

[@onsonginternational5391]

Best music reviewer on youtube, do you write music yourself?

[@charliejones9720]

Alright Fantano let’s hear this Arctic Monkeys’ review

[@TheDaddyO44]

Good review. Are you going to do "The Carters" album??? please....

[@JonathanFraserMusic]

Hey Anthony, could you possibly review the new The Armed record Only Love? It is up there for album of the year and even features Ben from Converge.

[@peanutbutterpikachu]

Man: Needledrop fans Butterfly: 7 Fans: is this a DAMN?

[@hawkhobo8130]

Great album for a night drive. Can't complain overall, since it is so difficult to create something so unique and original.

[@RustinChole]

Thanks Fantano! I’ve been waiting for this one! Totally deserved a strong 8 tho.

[@ihateschool367]

idk how you are able to listen to all these different genres so rapidly. no time to even fully adjust if you are really into an album, just like, on to the next.

[@GM-hm4ro]

This album was supposed to be inspired by a mushroom trip to joshua tree, so yeah, thats why the half of the album is super energetic and magical and then slows down and brings you back to earth with still highlights but in a more calm and breathy way.. like it happens in a psychodelic trip.

[@nikolademitri731]

MELON YOU NEED TO GET ON THAT NEW *DJ KOZE* ALBUM. LIKE NOW, SON! Oh, and I loved this album. Not quite as brilliant as his last album, which was my favorite of 2013, but it’s definitely close to that. Jon Hopkins is a musical genius imo, but DAMN, SON, THAT NEW *DJ KOZE* ALBUM, “KNOCK KNOCK” IS......

[@MrSwiftybabe]

the constellation on the album cover is the molecule shape of DMT, the drug that heavily influenced Jon on this album

[@Kdkjdjewerdnxa]

Disappointed that Cal didn't repeat "You're a nerd your a geek" throughout the review

[@moonaj89]

no bassnectar reviews? the old school beat break stuff lorin was doing back in the day was really creative and a lot of fun. would love to hear your thoughts on mesmerizing the ultra and underground communication.

[@yellowfamilyfunny3065]

Sometimes i dont care about the album anthony fatnano is reviewing but he's entertaining, informative and has a relaxing voice so ill watch it anyway. + the instrumental memes

[@CheckeredFedora]

Glad you like this album. This is totally my kind of music, and Jon Hopkins nails it.

[@adamdictatedbutnotreadkadh8719]

I feel headass asking but the new desiigner?

[@muffycat]

I totally agree! I love this album!

[@ThePuka]

Loved this record. Got feelings of Anathema - such care over sound.

[@justinkeys3291]

Review Die Lit-Playboi Carti!!!!!

[@matsolsson9067]

Could you review "Beware the book of Eli"? In my opinion it was pretty bland but I would like to hear your opinion!

[@RuslanKalashnikov]

2:34 Thought the video is already over.

[@manynukes11]

That Sleep album has been there for like the past 10 reviews, not complaining though

[@juansantos752]

I really was thinking this was gonna be 8....DAMN

[@owiseone1]

I smoked pot with Johnny Hopkins.

[@summer8950]

I really liked the album overall but I felt like the ambient half was disappointing, Immunity's ambient parts were much better to me

[@j.a.osorio2005]

I think the sequence of the tracks was decided in order for it to fit vinyl.

[@bryanlilib]

Do more electronic reviews plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[@stephenkahlig1494]

Four Tet’s New Energy. It’s time

[@cl5281]

Ey could you review Shakey Graves' album Can't Wake Up? My mans needs some more recognition

[@top10consoles]

for his next reviews he'll give tranquility base a 7 and 7 a tranquility base