Rafter: Sweaty Magic

Although experimental pop has been Rafter’s thing since his 2006 debut 10 Songs, he went on an entirely different route on Sweaty Magic. And he could not have picked a more fitting name for a seven-track EP aimed at making you shake your ass. As soon as “Noise” starts up, in all its static-ridden glory, you realize this will be no “sit down and listen” type of record. You will dance and you will sweat. It would be a crime to not get down to “Magic”, which plays like a distorted 8-bit dance party. And the same goes for “Juicy”, also known as what would happen if a club DJ remixed Of Montreal tunes. “Sassy” is another instant standout, mostly because it’s hard to deny such a well-crafted throwback to ’80s electro. Although the last three tracks — “Sweaty”, “Salt”, and “Heat” — aren’t quite as moving, they are not filler by any means. Be sure to check Sweaty Magic out if you are in the market for an 18-minute freak-out. Even if you’re not, it would be in your best interest to get a taste of Rafter’s noisy genius.