Steel Tipped Dove is a producer from New York, who has worked with such artists as Astronautalis, Kemba, Milo, and PremRock, to name a few. He’s also been releasing some really interesting solo material along the way, with his last release, to name it, coming out just last December. Now he comes back with his latest project, Cui Bono.

What makes Steel Tipped Dove so interesting as a solo artist is the way that his music doesn’t easily fit into any category. We know he can produce some great singles, but he’s not just pumping out beat tapes or generic downtempo albums when it’s time for solo releases. These are experimental, thoughtful compositions that explore different styles and look at ways to put them in conversation with each other. So no, Cui Bono won’t get the party going, but it will spark a lot of thought and interesting dialogues. It’s the type of music that’s best listened to on headphones, or maybe a long late night drive, where you can really get lost inside your own head. There are moments where it’s dark and foreboding and confrontational. There are moments of absolute gorgeous and gentle compositions that make you think that everything is wonderful. There are moments where things get really weird and you just have to buckle up and see where Steel Tipped Dove is going to take you. One of the things I appreciate most about this project is how well Steel Tipped Dove is at picking out vocal clips. There are many times where you’ll come across a project like this, and the producer will pick out vocal samples simply because they’re funny or badass, but don’t have anything to do with anything. Steel Tipped Dove is actually taking the time to pick out vocal clips that are meant ask philosophical questions and get the thoughts rolling in your brain as the music plays out. Again, this is really great introspective music.

Steel Tipped Dove is one of those names that people either don’t know or people will go on about how great and underappreciated he is. If you take the time to listen to a project like Cui Bono, you will definitely join the second group.