(Ninja Tune/Inertia)

Blockhead is the latest signing to the excellent Ninja Tunes roster. Before you make any comments about pop punker Ian Dury, this is the hip hop head better known for handling half of Aesop Rock’s production (especially on the killer Float and Labor Days LPs).

His languorous ‘Insomniac Olympics’ 12” single was a favorite on red-eyed nights, though it was struggle dragging myself to turn the record after every couple of tracks. Even more irritating being limited to just the 4 tracks. Finally, Blockhead’s returned with an entire album. Where his work on the Def Jux label rocks out, this sleepy album takes in trumpets, strings, memorable keys, guitar and occasional beautiful vocals for a truly cinematic slice of downtempo instrumental hip hop.

The album kicks off with a great version of Aaron Copland’s ‘Fanfare For The Common Man’. Underpinned by melancholy keys and hip hop drums ‘Music By Cavelight’ is 12 tracks of straight up instrumental hip hop. Omega One drops guest cuts, while on several tracks live guitar and bass are played. The sad slow-mo drums bring to mind early Shadow or Portishead coupled with the vivacious feel of RJD2.

It’s great to hear Ninja getting away from their typecast sound. Alongside great albums from Diplo and Sixtoo, it seems they’re getting back to releasing diverse records with excellent production and interesting sounds. The spacious, open feel of ‘Music By Cavelight’ leaves it open to definition and with a lot more depth than your average downtempo release.