(Definitive Jux) Four years ago, Chris Palko traded in the sex, drugs and ultraviolence of his early discography for serious and sombre cautionary tales on Hell’s Winter. Follow-up album Depart From Me continues down this rocky road, creating a clever combination of personal songs delving into his past as a patient at Stony Lodge Mental Hospital, a decidedly important moment in the evolution of Cage, as well as some surprisingly creepy first person character studies of the mentally deranged.
The production, supplied by El-P, Blockhead, Aesop Rock, F. Sean and the late Camu Tao, is rock- and electronic-influenced hip-hop that fits Def Jux’s musical mold while maintaining a more universally appealing sound. That might just be the indie rock choruses and guitar flourishes, though. Despite missteps like the cheap cheat of the serial killer disclaimer before lead single ‘I Never Knew You’ and the senseless rambling that detracts from the banging beat and catchy chorus of ‘Kick Rocks,’ Depart From Me is a cohesive album of dark hip hop from an MC in top form.

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