Ryan Hemsworth Trades Beats for Guitars on New Album

Canadian DJ and producer Ryan Hemsworth has released 'Numbskull,' his first solo album in eight years, marking a significant sonic departure. The album heavily features guitar and bass, drawing inspiration from punk, emo, and shoegaze, reminiscent of the music from his youth.

Hemsworth's recent experiences, including raising two children, have influenced his approach, leading to more genre-bending and less self-conscious experimentation. This shift is evident in the album's surprisingly noisy and rock-centric sound, which contrasts with his earlier electronic work.

'Numbskull' showcases collaborations with various guest vocalists and artists such as Tegan and Sara and MSPAINT. The production often incorporates elements of his signature trap beats and melodies, but frequently pairs them with abrasive guitars and experimental rhythms, creating a unique hybrid sound.

The album's stylistic variety and youthful intensity evoke the feeling of a high-school mixtape, reflecting a deep-seated yearning for innocence. This personal tone, combined with the '90s sound palette, positions Hemsworth as a songwriter channeling his past through loud, angsty music.