No. 1 in the World

RXM Realitys discography has moved from noisy, deconstructed techno to calamitous, unruly fusions of footwork, IDM, and drillnbass, somehow ending up in a more melodic, vocal-driven direction on releases like Advent. With No. 1 in the World, the Chicago-based producer named Mike Meegan fully dives into breakcore and digital hardcore, chopping up explosive breakbeats as well as harsh growls and screams. While digital hardcores originators made music in opposition to what rave culture had turned into by the time DJs were becoming the new rock stars during the 90s, the Internet-bred generation of producers seem far more open to embracing club music and other influences, while maintaining an anarchist, free-for-all spirit and chaotic energy. So tracks like "See All" includes charged-up kick drum patterns along with whirlwind breaks and horror-synth atmospheres. Other tracks like "Listening to Burial" feature mutated alt-rock melodies and pitched-up hyperpop vocals. Fire-Toolz guests on the hazy, triumphant "So Little Relief," and Deli Girls contribute in-the-red screaming to the delirious electro-thrash of "American Pie." As tumultuous as this all is, theres still room for a tender love song of sorts, "I Want to Send You Every Cute Thing That I See." Two of the most scattered, almost absurdly contrast-heavy tracks, "Mario" and the acid house-influenced "Whipped Cream Sandwich," appear near the end of the album. No. 1 in the World is a feverish highlight of an already impressive and ever-surprising discography. ~ Paul Simpson