Autre Ne Veut
Age of Transparency
(Downtown Records)

Some may feel that the art of human connection has decreased in the age of social media. In many ways it has. Conversations are shorter, emotions are now graphics and privacy is no longer valued. But there is hope. Arthur Ashin’s new record, Age of Transparency, binds indie pop and alternative R&B in hopes of making stronger connections. Labeled as a second installment of a trilogy (the first being 2013’s Anxiety LP), the New York-based musician (whose stage name means, “I think of none other”) has crafted an underground, glitchy soundscape of moods, themes and emotions. At times it is urgent (“Switch Hitter,” “Get Out”), in other moments patient (“On and On,” “Cold Winds”), the album is an unconventional mix by an unconventional producer. So if you are a fan of artists like How To Dress Well and Toro Y Moi, Age of Transparency will inspire. Standouts include “World War Pt. 2” and the title song.