Instrumental cuts for a journey to nowhere

This no-frills instrumental album couldn’t have a more fitting title. Long Car Rides plays like a mixtape of short, pleasant beats to accompany a trip to who-knows-where. Producer Keto creates a dreamy vibe throughout the album, making for some very chill background music. The formula for each track is pretty simple: layers of looping samples and bodiless vocals adorn thumping drum beats. The contrast of lo-fi percussion set against cleaner synths and samples makes for an interesting effect on tracks like “Through” and “Long Way.” The producer pairs trip-hop and electronic music influences well with a gritty hip-hop sound. Keto strays from his blueprint on only one track, the spacious “HisHandsUnderstand.” Rather than creating tedious sameness, however, Keto crafts an album with a united nighttime feel. Long Car Rides is a great soundtrack for a lazy day inside or a long car ride of your own

Recommended: 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 12
RIYL: DJ Shadow, J Dilla, Oddissee