Square

Anyone who lists David Lynch, Kool Keith and Vivienne Westwood among their influences is cool by me. In fact, Richard Terfry, a Canadian DJ Shadow of sorts, oozes cool from every pore.

Lauded by members of Radiohead and Aphex Twin, the prolific tunesmith – one of those rare breeds in the hip-hop community who produces, DJs and MCs – hails from the wilds of Mount Uniacke in Nova Scotia, and since moving to Halifax in 1989, has released five adventurous albums, all of which are set to be re-released by Warners in the near future.

As with most Terfry releases, there is no tracklisting for Square, his sixth. Instead the album is divided into four approximately 15 minute segments, each containing a number of individual but untitled songs – almost like an alternate take on the stereotype DJ mix album.

Seducing the listener with intrigue – as opposed to self-consciously proclaiming its worth at the top of its own voice like much hip-hop – Square blends Terfry’s meandering but compelling storytelling (delivered in a number of grumbling personas) and fascinating Shadow-esque sounds and atmospherics, all peppered with vocal cut-ups and subtle bursts of turntablism.

You can’t help thinking of Johnny Cash, Tom Waits, even Simon & Garfunkel, as ultimately this is a collection of simple songs and beautiful melodies wrapped in throbbing basslines and lo-fi beats.

There is no ‘Parental Advisory’ sticker, for this is no standard hip-hop fare. In fact, this is the future of hip-hop. And one of the albums of the year to boot. Just wait.