pepe. – escapism

‘Escapism’ takes on a more complete sound than 2020’s fantastic ‘Afterimages’, adopting a lo-fi backbone and adding some gentle soul. The road Pepe. goes down here is relatively unassailable, as he breezes through clean hip-hop beats and Tom Misch-esque guitars that, similar to the Englishman, go beyond the pleasant and towards the anodyne. Nonetheless, ‘Escapism’’s final third impressively echoes the strengths of its predecessor while offering a more accessible sound. Much of the album is the Polish producer trying to be heard. His is a talented, evocative voice that ought to be. Though this record masks Pepe.’s experimental potential, it vindicates his producing capabilities. 

21/30

A favourite: ‘WQRWY’

‘Escapism’ is out now via U Know Me Records.