Alone for the First Time

Canadian producer Ryan Hemsworth has buzzed about the avant beat-making scene since 2010, when he began producing tracks for an assortment of underground emcees and remixing the likes of Kanye West and Grimes. His second album is his most whimsical; its playful textures recall The Postal Service as much as Drake. \"Snow in Newark\" is melancholy cloud rap with an understated chorus, while \"Surrounded\" bounds between wily drum and bass and slinking ambience. At once languid and restive, the tracks flit this way and that, their ranging influences flying by like billboards out the window of a speeding car.

Despite its name, Alone for the First Time features a number of collaborators. And for the first time, it features Hemsworth working largely with original, lyrical songs.

Despite its name, Alone for the First Time features a number of collaborators. And for the first time, it features Hemsworth working largely with original, lyrical songs.

The Canadian producer careens towards intimate, introspective affairs to counteract his life as a touring DJ.

The Canadian producer careens towards intimate, introspective affairs to counteract his life as a touring DJ.

An album of sheer artistry encompassing all the trappings and tinkerings that have become archetypal of Hemsworth’s work.

An album of sheer artistry encompassing all the trappings and tinkerings that have become archetypal of Hemsworth’s work.

Album review: Ryan Hemsworth - Alone For The First Time. A sad set, but one that envelops you in a warm hug…

Album review: Ryan Hemsworth - Alone For The First Time. A sad set, but one that envelops you in a warm hug…