Inner Scratch Demons

DJ Eddie Def is one of the new faces in a growing stable of artists on Mike Patton's neophyte Ipecac label. For those unfamiliar with Patton's past, the Ipecac name tag is a serious warning sign that the musician in question possesses some outlandish quality that separates them from the herd. DJ Eddie Def, who has spun live with the likes of Buckethead, Brain, and Patton himself, is no exception to this rule. Inner Scratch Demons presents the fierce turntablist in his full glory, tossing around records with a fury that makes conventional DJs look plain silly. The Beastie Boys, crying infants, killer jazz grooves, John Cougar Mellencamp riffs, Star Wars humor -- they all find solace within DJ Eddie Def's fortysomething-minute sampling rant. It's extreme, but also completely listenable, which is not something you can say of all Ipecac Recordings. "I Like It You Like It," featuring Z-Man's wild lyrics and groovy beat, make it perfect fodder for mixed tapes. Some of it takes a few listens to digest, but if you take the time to let it sink in, your patience will be rewarded. One of the best three releases in Ipecac's history to date. ~ Kieran McCarthy