Album Review: Studies SS16 by Street Value
Alright, let’s dive into Studies SS16 by Street Value. This little gem dropped in 2016 under the Pastel Voids label, and it’s one of those albums that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. It’s got this cool mix of Lo-Fi, Ambient, House, and even some Industrial vibes—basically a sonic cocktail for anyone who likes their tunes textured and moody. The whole thing feels like an audio mood board, pieced together with layers of sound that just kinda sit there, swirling around your brain.
One track I can’t get out of my head is the super mysterious “Untitled.” Yeah, real creative name, right? But hear me out—it’s not trying too hard, and honestly, that’s what makes it work. It starts off all muffled and hazy, like someone left a dusty old tape recorder running in the corner of a basement party from the '90s. Then it builds into this hypnotic groove that’s equal parts chill and kinda unsettling. You know how sometimes music just feels like a place? This one feels like wandering through an abandoned warehouse at night—empty but full of echoes, if that makes sense.
Another standout is “Static Reverie” (okay, maybe not the actual title, but go with me here). It’s got these glitchy blips and bleeps layered over this slow-burning beat that just locks you in. Like, I put it on while folding laundry once, and suddenly I wasn’t folding anymore—I was standing still, staring at the wall, completely zoned out. That’s the magic of this album; it pulls you into its world without asking permission.
What’s wild about Studies SS16 is how understated it feels. There’s no flashy hooks or big drops—just these quiet moments that somehow stick with you. It’s like hanging out with someone who doesn’t say much but says exactly the right thing when they do. And yeah, sure, the production has that lo-fi grit to it, but it works because it feels authentic. No over-polished nonsense here.
Anyway, here’s the random thought to wrap this up: listening to this album feels like finding a forgotten USB drive in the back of a drawer and realizing it’s full of half-finished projects from years ago. You don’t know the full story, but you’re kinda glad you stumbled across it anyway.
