As a rapper, Fat Jon eschews in-your-face bravado for a philosophical bent that is a good match for Betke's subtleties. On the opener, the latter pairs a woozy metronome to Jon's thoughts about time manipulation. "Arena" finds Jon discussing universal human lessons through introspective words like, "You don't have to feel ashamed if you want to change the rules/Only your brain must approve/Just chalk it up to paying dues/Can you remove your doubts and master your inner conflicts/Without losing yourself inside condensed nonsense?"
Even on songs without Jon, Betke still composes for command attention, as on the booming bass of "Bushes" and the tense yet sweet xylophone melody of "Round Two." But it's almost as if the spectre of Jon's presence has encouraged him to craft in a much louder and bolder manner than ever before; the funky, stuttered drums that drive "Like Rain," for example, are far more arresting than many of his earlier tracks. On this album, Pole finally speaks up with an increased rhythmic richness and an eager willingness to stretch his preconceived boundaries. Here's hoping people are listening.
