AZD

English producer Actress has always struck a brilliant balance between body and head, offering high-concept deconstructions of techno idioms without forgetting important stuff like the beat. His fifth album—a semi-surprise after having announced his retirement—goes further down his hazy, retro-futuristic rabbit hole, offering left-field takes on garage (“DANCING IN THE SMOKE”), electro (“RUNNER”), and straight-up house (“THERE’S AN ANGEL IN THE SHOWER,” “X22RME”). It respects conventions while stretching them to their limits.