For many, it will not be a surprise that the globalization of music has become the basic environment for an artist’s existence, and Shu Lee confidently establishes himself as a conceptual author. His third album ‘Octopus Fox’ emerges as a logical continuation and at the same time an expansion of the ideas developed within MFDM, multi faceted DIY music, a philosophy he began shaping in 2025. This is his way of thinking, a rejection of linear genre structure in favor of multigenre expression, nonlinearity, and a unique sound.

It is important to note that Shu Lee’s releases, including ‘Octopus Fox’ as the most prominent example, do not attempt to mix everything with everything merely for the sake of surprise. When I listened to ‘Octopus Fox’, I perceived a carefully designed ecosystem. The 17 subgenre branches and 27 languages within the release form a unique worldview and shape its overall dramaturgy. I even caught myself thinking that this album is closer to cinema than to a traditional music release. It unfolds across 12 tracks as a story in which cultural codes are transformed.

This is remarkable because there is a clear intention to achieve balance within constantly colliding currents and to maintain a yin yang equilibrium. The desire to create controlled chaos, that very yin yang like principle, works to its fullest extent. This is achieved through well structured dynamics, where intimate fragments are replaced by large scale sound that impresses with its vivid intensity.

If we speak about the sound itself, then ‘Octopus Fox’ is an album where the ‘musical DNA’ is truly felt as mutating. The tracks are not tied to familiar frameworks, the structure can change its form within a single song, languages switch almost imperceptibly, and the textures of electronic and ethnic elements interact like living components. At the same time, the author’s identity is preserved, which is especially important given the scale of the experiment.

Therefore, ‘Octopus Fox’ is already, from the very start, a strong and cohesive artistic statement. And perhaps the most light and pleasant detail, despite all its conceptual depth, is that ‘Octopus Fox’ does not require effort to understand. It works on the level of emotion as well, allowing one to simply listen, get lost, and find a new self within this multilayered world.
I would like to highlight several tracks that resonated with me the most.

The opening track ‘Ar Ramad Wal Ghayth’ sets the scale of the album and immediately places the listener into a space of memory, anticipation, and depth through its minimalist sound and Shu Lee’s powerful rap performance. It feels like an entry into an already existing world, where sound serves as a carrier of tradition. ‘Ar Ramad Wal Ghayth’ establishes the serious tone of the release, creating a dense, vivid and highly cohesive atmosphere.

‘Me Mie Mee Goreng’ adds liveliness and irony to the album. Complex harmonies and an engaging concept allow one to feel a certain freedom, as if the artist allows himself a slight smile within the complex structure of the release. Such a track effectively relieves the overall density of the album and makes it more human.

I would like to highlight ‘Harika’. With a bright electronic foundation and atmospheric folk motifs, it introduces a sense of movement into a new sonic direction. The fusion of difficult to combine genres comes very naturally in Shu Lee’s approach, and there is something deeply conceptual in that. It feels as if this track contains an emotional lever that opens a hidden door leading into the depths of the subconscious. ‘Harika’ adds warmth and space to the release, which is especially important in such a dense conceptual work.

‘Jacaranda’ shifts the direction, returning to a more familiar melodic flow; however, the guitars create a distinctive sound. I like the vocal delivery, floating and free. It is remarkable that the title itself already creates an image, warm, natural, slightly nostalgic, with a sense of color and air. The melody reveals this feeling and creates a soft pause within the album, where the music becomes almost tangible. ‘Jacaranda’ helps the release sound truly beautiful.

‘Malo’ adds a more restrained, perhaps even concise mood to the album. In this track, there is a sense of internal tension that does not break out abruptly but is held within form, with a global, almost ritualistic sound. ‘Malo’ can serve as a connecting composition that returns the listener to the conceptual flow, offering a track that is meant to be felt more than listened to, as strange as that may sound.

In the track ‘Oymyakon’, through its atmosphere of cold detachment and almost cinematic dynamics, a highly experimental side of the album is revealed. The track sways within a soft dynamic flow, and languages intertwine into a new sound. It is an interesting and almost playful track that undoubtedly expands the sonic palette, making it even more multidimensional.

In the final track ‘Why Did You Leave’, the release moves into a more personal and emotionally open level. The title immediately shifts attention to the sphere of loss, questioning, and inner dialogue. There is a palpable sense of emotional experience in this track, and that is precisely why this track can become one of the most gripping on the album. It is a very powerful conclusion to the release.

If you are searching for interesting and conceptual releases, then ‘Octopus Fox’ by Shu Lee is exactly what you are looking for. The album feels like a small journey around the world and beyond it, into an astral plane. There is a special charm that you will feel with your heart while listening to Shu Lee’s distinctive and unique music. Be sure to add your favorite tracks to your playlist and follow Shu Lee so you do not miss even more releases!

Hey Shu Lee! Thank you for releasing such interesting music. I received incredible enjoyment while listening to your album. It was a very exciting journey, and I will definitely experience it again. I will make sure to share your release with everyone so they can also hear such great sound. I love it, and I am your fan!

This review was made possible by SubmitHub. Views are writer’s own.