Thundercat – Apocalypse (Translucent Red Vinyl, 10th Anniversary Edition)

Thundercat's Apocalypse returns here in a 10th anniversary edition, revisiting the 2013 album that sharpened Stephen Bruner's mix of pop, soul, electronica, prog-rock and funk into something deeply personal. Made with executive producer Flying Lotus for Brainfeeder, the record is rooted in loss and rebuilding, with its emotional core tied to the death of close friend and collaborator Austin Peralta. That tension between grief and lightness is part of what gives the album its unusual pull.

Compared with his debut, Apocalypse pushes Thundercat's voice further forward and gives his bass playing a more focused role inside tightly shaped songs rather than open-ended display. Tracks like Heartbreaks + Setbacks, Tron Song and Oh Sheit It's X show how easily he moves between bruised reflection, soft-focus melody and elastic cosmic funk, while still keeping the songs approachable. The Flying Lotus connection matters here: his production gives Bruner's high, gliding basslines an astral setting without crowding out the human side of the writing.

This anniversary pressing also helps explain why the album still matters in Thundercat's catalogue. Alongside the original material, it adds two previously unreleased tracks, including Before I Loved Myself "I" Pooped My Ankles (True), recorded with Austin Peralta and Taylor Graves, and Paris with Mono/Poly. For anyone coming to the album after later releases made Thundercat a wider name, this edition shows the point where his virtuosity, humour and vulnerability locked into place.

Features

• Translucent Red Vinyl, Limited Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition
• Includes two previously unreleased tracks: Before I Loved Myself "I" Pooped My Ankles (True) and Paris
• Rainbow holographic sleeve with gold foil detail in a transparent PVC outer slipcase with holographic “x-ray” skull print
• Includes MP3 download code

Reviews

• the grace and versatility of Bruner's playing transforms his supporting instrument into a leading one rich with musical possibility - The Guardian
• an endearing blend of plainspoken nonchalance and almost limitless musical eccentricity - Pitchfork
• staggeringly emotive and tightly composed content - AllMusic.com

Genre: Hip Hop & RnB

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