[FXHE]

Omar-S is dead, long live Alex Smith. OK, Omar-S isn’t dead, but still, long live Alex Smith. The most provocative and precocious of the Detroit new-school is back on his latest outing for FXHE and this time he’s releasing under his God-given name. Oh, and this time he is on fire. Here with Me is a stunning micro-statement of intent, an atomic particle of sonic abundance that twinkles brightly amidst its creator’s finest achievements.

“Three Blind Mice” plums for a Booka Shade-esque intro that threatens to go stadium-sized, but is stabilized by the shilly-shally of a laissez-faire hi-hat, weaving, quite literally at will, through the track. Touching on the sound explored on 2004’s “Day,” “Here with Me” is the undisputed heavy-weight at this particular weigh-in, a smorgasbord of acid squelches, deep-as-you-like piano chords, and the authoritarian soul of Diviniti. The EP is an essential for this alone, although it’s hardly the only worthy track. So often EPs with more than one good track include a couple of dud ones to bulk up the release, but not here. “Stop Running Around” makes you feel guilty for wishing to disagree and bust out the moves, while “Sign and Drive” provides a glistening approach path for Here With Me to land on. Smith’s laconic chuckle at the start of the track only adds to its convivial, almost conspiratorial tone. The continuity and charm of the compositions on show makes this project feel grander than it perhaps means to be, like the unwitting reduction of an album to its crystal form. If Alex Smith continues making tunes like this, it’s going to be a long reign.