In the opening track of new experimental pop record “Life 1,” singer-songwriter and record producer Quadeca makes a bold claim: “This life don’t mean a thing to me.” What follows is the artist’s most sonically experimental but also most polished album to date.

Quadeca is part of a talented group of producers that utilize a truly odd combination of sounds and instruments to make music that is unexpectedly enjoyable. Throughout this record, he combines electronic chirps and beeps, distorted electric guitars, drum machines, acoustic guitars and pianos, and even slot machine sound effects to craft lush, psychedelic, and atmospheric soundscapes.

On the album’s second song, “Dark magic,” overbearing and sinisterly distorted guitars lead into a smooth drum beat and a blasting horn, quickly switching to become a quite danceable track. Just as compelling is “It goes like this,” an upbeat track featuring acoustic guitar, woodwinds, a string section, and an entrancingly frantic piano melody. These tracks are a welcome departure from Quadeca’s usually more somber style of music; I quite enjoyed the tonal shift heard on this album.

Also featuring a string section is the track “Make you my what,” a romantic number made in collaboration with singer-songwriter and producer kmoe, which also employs record scratches over a beating drum. kmoe’s vocals add a soft touch to the song, which I appreciated, but the odd combo of drums and strings never quite sounds right, making this a weaker track on the record.

Following this track is the interlude “THE GAMBLER,” a satirical bit about gambling addiction that explosively concludes in a blast of drums, electric guitar, and the previously mentioned slot machine sounds. The interlude is actually a highlight of the album; although thematically unrelated to the rest of the record, the satire is quite funny and the musical breakdown is very satisfying.

“Baby steps,” another standout track, compares the struggles of early childhood with that of early adulthood, lamenting the pressures that come with growing up despite still feeling like a child at heart. The song slowly develops through melodic guitar and gentle tambourine before powerfully ending with a fast-paced drum and bass-style drum beat and pulsing synths. This is my personal favorite song from the album, if not my all-time favorite Quadeca song; the lush instrumentation and climactic finish make for a very special sonic experience.

“Life 1” is a hell of a time, showcasing Quadeca’s immense production talent and confidence in his craft. For an experimental album, it’s quite worth a listen.