GALAPAGOS

Galapagos is 18-year-old Phoenix native Jacob McNaughton. His free EP Sounds Vol. 1 is a nice slice of sample-based hip hop or something resembling it, quick instrumental bits of chopped vocals, little piano flourishes over heavy-set drum beats. Not saying he's doing anything terribly new here, but it sounds so crisp and the songs go by so fast I find myself listening to the EP over and over. For a completely in-house comparison, it sounds like a healthy balance of Mane Mane and Persona La Ave rhythms and atmosphere, but decidedly less junked-out than either of them, straighter to the point, more bare bones.

Check out my favorite couple tracks from the EP then download the whole thing.