Rethinking the Weather

Released in 2003 on Mush Records, 'Rethinking the Weather' is a seminal work in the early career of Alfred Darlington, better known as Daedelus. Arriving just before the explosion of the Los Angeles 'Beat Scene' centered around Low End Theory, this album established the artist's signature aesthetic: a blend of 'dandyism,' Victorian-era romanticism, and cutting-edge electronic manipulation. The record is heavily reliant on the Omnichord, a portable electronic instrument that provides the shimmering, harp-like textures found throughout the tracks. Sonically, it bridges the gap between the melodic sensibilities of Boards of Canada and the rhythmic complexity of Prefuse 73. Critics at the time noted its departure from the often sterile nature of IDM, praising its whimsicality and emotional depth. Tracks like 'Fin' and 'Dark Days' showcase a unique approach to vocal sampling, using voices as textural elements rather than narrative leads. It remains a high-water mark for the abstract hip-hop and downtempo genres of the early 2000s.