Sufjan Stevens hit a new high two years back with Age of Adz, it’s use of auto-tune is one of the more innovative things ever done with effect. Now, Stevens is working with Sun Lux and rapper Serengeti to form s/ s/ s/. The trio have released an EP with four songs and none of hit a mark. Stevens has some auto-tuned vocals on every track here, but they come off as flat and end up being some of the most lifeless stuff he’s ever put out. What really ruins s/ s/ s/ are the rap verses, it’s not dreadful, but it’s nothing enjoyable either.

“Museum Day” starts off in what sounds like the middle of the song, not the best way to get things going. Then the rap verse is so sloppy that it’s kind of hilarious. “Beyond Any Doubt” has some great beats, but the song is ruined by Serengeti and even Sufjan’s vocals on the track are pretty bad. But things really start to go downhill with “If This Is Real” sounding like a cheap nineties R&B track. And the final track is titled “Octomom”, I’m just going to leave that one alone. While I wish I could sit here and congratulate Sufjan Stevens for venturing into new territory with rap, it’s a very hollow attempt.

Rating: 4.0 out of 10.