When
Action Bronson announced "My next album's only for dolphins" in "Mt. Etna," it seemed like just another random comic bulletin of no consequence from the MC, who follows through with the title of his first solo LP since
White Bronco. Then again, maybe it shouldn't be surprising given that dolphin training is one of myriad pursuits
Bronson has mentioned on wax. While
Only for Dolphins is peppered with dolphin calls, and its maker notes an affinity for diving into natural bodies of water -- unclothed, of course -- the brief program is characterized as much by an array of sounds sourced from France, Jamaica, Turkey, and elsewhere. "Mt. Etna" producer
Daringer is behind two of the woozier numbers, including one that repurposes loping mid-'80s Russian fusion for
Bronson to rap about joyriding through a mall. Most effective is
Dr. Lecter beatmaker
Tommy Mas, whose usage of a Latin jazz-funk classic provokes
Bronson to throw his references to high-speed travel and cultural figures into overdrive. (Also in the mix is an unforgettable if unprintable self-effacing couplet.) A near second is
Bronson himself, who whips up Turkish psychedelia in "Mongolia," where he's entirely disconnected from 2020 reality, entreating featured guests
Meyhem Lauren and
Hologram to "get dusted at the Mets game." Other tracks produced by the likes of
Lamb Over Rice sparring partner
the Alchemist,
DJ Muggs, and
Bronson again source vintage soul, funk, and soul-jazz, the rapper's bread, butter, and olive oil. They're almost as humorously fanciful from a lyrical standpoint.
Bronson's imagination, vivid as ever, makes up for the decreasing variation in his microphone approach. ~ Andy Kellman