One of four masterminds behind genre-bending powerhouse Battles, Tyondai Braxton has written and composed a modern take on classical arrangements on his sophomore solo album. Less focused on noise and loop pedals than its predecessor, Central Market instead relies on live instrumentation provided by Braxton and his conduction of the Wordless Music Orchestra. Compositions like lighthearted album starter “Opening Bell” and epic centerpiece “Platinum Rows” sound like futuristic renditions of Peter and the Wolf, and the darker “J. City” might be the first time Braxton’s vocals have been the least bit intelligible. Central Market eventually takes a dive into sinister territory, playing with more electronics and rock instruments and sounding something like the next movement in Battles’ discography.

Listen: “Uffe’s Woodshop”

Download This Track