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**LA Priest - Inji: A Kaleidoscopic Journey Through Sonic Wonderland**

Sam Dust has always been something of a musical shapeshifter, but never has his transformative power been more evident than on "Inji," the sophomore effort from his LA Priest project that stands as his creative peak. While his previous incarnation as Late of the Pier garnered critical acclaim for their art-rock gymnastics, and his debut LA Priest album "Gene" showed promise with its lo-fi charm, "Inji" represents a quantum leap into a realm where psychedelic pop meets cosmic disco, wrapped in production so crisp you could cut glass with it.

The album emerged from a period of intense creative isolation for Dust, who retreated to his home studio in Eastbourne following the modest reception of "Gene" in 2015. What began as bedroom experiments with vintage synthesizers and drum machines evolved into something far more ambitious – a 38-minute odyssey that feels both intimately personal and expansively universal. The title itself, "Inji," refers to a recurring dream figure that haunted Dust's subconscious, and this oneiric quality permeates every groove and melody.

Musically, "Inji" defies easy categorization, though it sits most comfortably in the neo-psychedelic camp with strong influences from French house, krautrock, and classic pop songcraft. Dust's production aesthetic borrows heavily from the compressed, punchy sound of early 2000s electronica while incorporating the warmth and analog saturation of 1970s studio wizardry. The result is an album that sounds simultaneously retro and futuristic, familiar yet alien.

The album's crown jewel is undoubtedly "Beginning," a seven-minute epic that opens the record with all the subtlety of a neon sign in a monastery. Built around a hypnotic bassline that would make Daft Punk weep with envy, the track layers crystalline arpeggios and Dust's heavily processed vocals into something that feels like being launched into space aboard a disco ball. It's the kind of song that makes you understand why people take drugs at music festivals.

"What Moves" serves as the album's most immediate pop moment, with a chorus so sticky it should come with a health warning. Here, Dust channels the spirit of Kevin Parker's Tame Impala while maintaining his own distinctive voice – literally and figuratively. The track's success as a standalone single helped introduce LA Priest to a broader audience, though it barely scratches the surface of the album's depths.

The title track "Inji" itself is a masterclass in tension and release, building from whispered vocals and minimal percussion into a full-blown psychedelic freakout that recalls the controlled chaos of early Flaming Lips. Meanwhile, "Party Zute" injects a welcome dose of humor into proceedings, its playful lyrics and bouncing rhythm providing breathing room between the album's more intense moments.

Perhaps most impressive is how cohesive "Inji" feels despite its stylistic diversity. From the krautrock pulse of "Sudden Thing" to the dreamy introspection of "Peace in the Valley," Dust maintains a consistent sonic thread that ties everything together. His use of space and dynamics shows a maturity that was only hinted at in his previous work.

The album's legacy has grown considerably since its 2019 release. Initially overlooked by mainstream outlets, "Inji" has become something of a cult classic, championed by DJs and playlist curators who recognize its unique ability to work both as background ambiance and focused listening. Its influence can be heard in the work of younger artists exploring similar territory at the intersection of electronic music and psychedelic rock.

Currently, Dust continues to tour the LA Priest material while reportedly working on new music that pushes even further into experimental territory. His live shows have become legendary affairs, with the "Inji" material translating surprisingly well to the concert setting despite its studio-crafted intricacies.

"Inji" stands as proof that the best psychedelic music doesn't just alter your perception – it creates entirely new realities to explore. In a world oversaturated with retro-pastiche and algorithmic playlist fodder, LA Priest has crafted something genuinely transcendent. This is music for late-night drives through cities that don't exist, soundtracking dreams you'll never quite remember but can't quite forget.