David Loca’s sixth official release under the Part Time moniker is a testament to the efficacy of a well-developed tone and perspective. Looping rhythms carry familiar dreamscape-type vocals paired with, and sometimes buried by, synth sounds, and the album maintains a very mellow vibe throughout.
A collaboration between Part Time and Ariel Pink titled “I Can Treat You Better,” teased as a single in August, stands out on Spell #6. The album seems to build momentum, getting weirder as it goes — “The Boys That Make Her Cry” almost sounds like Ziggy Stardust.
For a truly immersive experience, try listening to Spell #6 while watching the “Classic Stars” screensaver by Microsoft — it’s sure to inspire a nicely nostalgic, even trance-like, sense of calmness.
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Emily Migchels / Editor-in-Chief