Luke Titus: Plasma album review

Luke Titus
Plasma
Sooper Records
November 13th, 2020

As with all of the artists on Sooper Records, Luke Titus is an innovator. To say his debut full length record Plasma is a genre mash is to simplify the complex layers of aural magnificence that streams from the glossy, synth fueled pop tunes. Exuding a professionalism that just shouldn’t be possible from a 24 year old. But after nearly a decade in the Chicago scene, where he has collaborated with numerous hip-hop and R&B artists as well as performed with the Blue Man Group as a drummer, the young producer and multi-instrumentalist is a master beliling his young age. Using his years of experience, Titus shapes a wonder of an album. Taking cues from electro pop, hip-hop, alt R&B, funk, nu-jazz, math rock and more. Crafting a layered aesthetic so thick with groove it drips like the ooze from his face on the cover art. 

Beginning with a feature from his label mate Sen Morimoto on opener “Air,” which showcases Titus’ sharp precision behind the kit, is a bold move. A way of saying, “if you don’t dig this, just go ahead and turn it off now, because this is not for you.” Sharp in it’s nu-jazz elements thanks in part to Morimoto’s sax buried in the mix and the cacophony of synth and electro drums, the track bleeds right into the far more creamy “Soft Serve,” establishing the seamless flow that precision album sequencing can gain. Impeccably arranged, Plasma glides through the speakers with a whirl that never falters. No track is out of place, each servicing the record as a whole, giving the impression of a work of art or symphony. 

Other feature spots from Ravyn Lenae, Qari, and Elton Aura blend into the aesthetic effortlessly, and it’s easy to lose track of the fact that Titus is creating most of this on his own. With just a few songs containing guest musicians, Titus plays nearly every instrument on these highly layered recordings. A one-man machine of musical motion, culminating in the climax on the pop gleam of “I’ll Be Here,” where Titus channels his inner Rhye to deliver the album's most impassioned vocals. 

Along with label heads Morimoto and NNAMDÏ, as well as the extremely talented KAINA, Sooper Records have found their fourth pillar in which to build their roof. Creating and releasing some of the most relevant and influential musical art coming out of Chicago. With Plasma, Titus has joined the ranks of the scene’s elite artists. 

-Kyle Land

live images by John Barnard at Lincoln Hall during TNK Fest, February 2020