Pedro - Early Pedro
[Melodic]

James Rutledge's musical progress has steadily improved since the release of his self-titled debut EP in 1999. Six years later, only two solo EP's, a full length album and collaboration CD have passed, suggesting Rutledge is far from a prolific musician, but proving music of such high calibre doesn't just run easily off the production line. 'Early Pedro' compiles those first two vinyl-only releases with the additional bonus of Rutledges's criminally overlooked partnership single with Kathyrn Williams.

The 'Pedro' EP was inspired as many others by the early works of DJ Shadow, plus a curiousity and healthy enthusiam in home-recording techniques on a standard PC. Lo-fi acoustic guitars are overlaid with toy electronics and tinpot percussion, as the rustic, muffled beats of 'Lay Down Mega Man' shows early indications of the more hip hop based direction Rutledge seems to be heading in.

'Chapel Was My Dream' is where Rutledge really pushes the boundaries, crossing genres and incorporating influences that range from jazz, folk, electronica and classical. 'The Right Way to Play Chess' is an avant-folk track with vintage drum machine beats, yet 'D.A.R.Y.L' is post-classical future hip hop that clashes with the sonic white noise / stretched string experiment of 'Koolhaas'. Kathryn Willams for the close of the album, adds her kitten soft, daydream vocals to twinkly electronic and stuttered guitars for tracks that recall Bjork's collaboration with Opiate.

This is timeless, enchanting music that hasn't aged since the day it was born. A CD you'll revisit time again.