GOD.DAMN.CHAN. is a producer originally from Portland, Maine, best known for his work with emcee Spose. Last November, he packed up all of his belongings and moved with his girlfriend and dog to Los Angeles, where he quickly integrated himself into the beat scene there. Now, we get his first proper solo album, Slush.

Slush is an interesting album in a lot of ways. For one, while this is his debut solo album, Chan is far from green as a producer. From the outset of the album, you can hear Chan’s confidence come across, like he’s saying, “I know what I’m about.” What he’s about on this album is showing you the full range of what he’s capable of as a producer. There are some tracks that veer towards EDM, along with showcasing his experience in playing beats live, as they get loud and hit hard with drums and synthesizers. There are other tracks that get in the slow jam territory, with some really intimate grooves, subtle drum work, and a gentle touch with the melodies. At other times, Chan will get more experimental with it, combining production styles such as 8-bit, EDM, and downtempo into something all of his own. There’s an interesting range to the album as a whole, but Chan is a veteran, and he knows to take the time and make sure that not only each song is fully developed and can stand up on its own, but he also makes sure the songs connect to each other and flow from start to finish. The result is a debut album in Slush that is unique, varied, and well-thought out.

Slush is the type of debut album that you’d hope for from an artist that has been working as long as GOD.DAMN.CHAN. This isn’t some beat tape with potential. This is a really carefully constructed instrumental album that takes you through the highs and lows, from the big and obvious to the subtle and understated and all points in between.