Description
Non-Secure Connection (like much of Hornsby’s catalogue as a whole) succeeds because he’s not actually setting out to shock or defy expectations. Clearly the only concern is following ideas that seem fun and interesting, not worrying about how anyone might react. As usual, this batch of ideas again provides space for some top-shelf collaborators—familiar returning names like the Noisemakers and Justin Vernon are joined by Jamila Woods, Vernon Reid, and notably the Shins’ James Mercer on the strong, hooky anthem “My Resolve.” As always, it’s the best kind of feedback loop where everyone is happy to push each other somewhere new and unexpected.
Hornsby remains unafraid to bend the ear with weird harmonies—exactly twice as much as on Zero, as he amusingly observes. Still, challenging spots like the appropriately twisted “Shit’s Crazy Out Here” are handily outnumbered by pieces intriguing and approachable—in one way or another, at least—for all their smarts. Things fittingly close in a fast-driving burst of optimism with “No Limits” declaring that Hornsby is never done taking us all for a ride. If the outside world isn’t getting any less nuts, clearly the best response is to keep going creatively crazy enough to match it.
