Always a dynamic and plausible live performer, Tyler, The Creator has too often handed the reins to his inner Beavis & Butt-head in the studio. But the heady fizz of Cherry Bomb finds him emulating less integral Odd Future alumni Frank Ocean and Earl Sweatshirt by defining a musical identity beyond the potty-mouthed LA rap clique. Juvenile shock tactics persist, but he’s now channelling his puckish energy into some thrilling experiments and the more time-honoured hip-hop touchstones Tyler brings into the mix – from Roy Ayers to Smuckers’ multi-platinum three-way with Lil Wayne and Kanye West – the more deliriously wonky it all sounds.
