Hudson Mohawke shares the “Very First Breath” of his new ‘Lantern’ LP

Scottish producer Hudson Mohawke is about as multifaceted as it gets: he's Kanye West's go-to beat-maker and one half of trap super-duo TNGHT, along with Lunice. He also occasionally makes albums, his 2009 Warp debut Butter sounding more in line with the glossy, hyperactive style also explored by fellow Scot Rustie. Now, six years later, the second LP, Lantern, is finally imminent. This long wait, when combined with his phenomenal non-album output, makes Lantern one of 2015's most highly anticipated albums.

While Lantern doesn't actually drop until June 16, Mohawke has given us lead single "Very First Breath," a great introduction to the album, although it's actually second on the tracklist. A collaboration with French vocalist Irfane, "Very First Breath" is a brilliant blend of pop and hip-hop that would feel at home on Rustie's recent Green Language LP, although an attentive ear can tell the differences in the two's production habits. Most importantly, the track feels like a refined version of Butter, which was often too crazy and off-the-wall for its own good. Mohawke's reputation wasn't built by that album, but rather by his world-conquering activities that came after, so Lantern is likely to be his first classic album.

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