devonwho is the Perfect Stranger

Photo by Patti Miller

Most of the music we feature on this site falls outside of traditional genre limitations. This is partially a conscious choice on our part and partially just an observation on the overall music landscape. Open-minded, envelope pushing artists generally buck tradition whether that means mixing genres, sounds, or whatever else tickles their fancy. The best releases though aren’t necessarily the most mind-numbingly challenging, but the ones that evoke a simple, yet profound, response. San Francisco’s devonwho did exactly that with his newest release, Perfect Strangers Vol. 1. Tagged as “future funk”, the tape relies heavily on 8 bit samples, but unlike fellow video game sample enthusiasts Groundislava and Jonwayne, the beats on Perfect Strangers contain an airy, welcoming quality that bely their synthetic nature. devonwho also does manage to invoke an undeniable amount of funk into the tape. Even at its crunchiest moment on “taurus/shorty”, the 8 bit noises impart the phonk over some expertly programmed skittering drums. Stream Perfect Strangers Vol. 1 below or cop it for $6 (well worth it).