When first we met Wallpaper. in 2005, the project was Frederic's way of making earnest, artful music while satirizing the lack of genuine sentiment in mainstream pop. Then, the music was composed on computers and the lyrics were delivered strictly in Auto-Tune (almost unheard of at the time), further emphasizing the sterility of hackneyed song themes. In the four years since, as Wallpaper.'s become a genuine phenomenon via three well-loved EPs and an unforgettable live show, Auto-Tune has fittingly become one of the most widespread and maligned facets of modern radio. Frederic understands the subtlety of this point; Ricky Reed, who still modifies his voice, basks in such infamy.

At a certain point in the making of Doodoo Face, Frederic regained some sanity. He stopped trying to figure Ricky out, and focused his mental efforts on production. The music of Doodoo Face is a significant step forward for Wallpaper. As established by his recent "live-band remixes" for Passion Pit and Das Racist, Frederic's become ace at merging the organic into the electronic. This time, the drums are live courtesy of band member Arjun Singh, Darondo sideman Brian Switzer plays trumpet, and Frederic's own guitar graces many tracks. These are huge beats with infinite intricacy — the perfect tribute to Frederic's oldest influences: P-Funk, Afrobeat, and the panoply of Bay Area rap. You'll hear strains of Justice too, in the seething bass of "Celebrity," and even Eno in the minimalist pop of "Fine GF." Furthermore, "Frk Scn" not only features female vocals, but a distinct live Ghanaian rhythm known as "Ewe," while on "Gettin' Drip," Frederic handcrafts his own "chipmunk soul" sample to accompany the chorus.

But one needn't know any of this to "get" Wallpaper. Just as it thrives under scrutiny, Doodoo Face bangs at face value, and the record's title is a reference to that: a contorted expression inspired by discovering something unbelievably funky. From the cavernous thump and honking sax of opener "Indecent" to the warped hyphy of "ddd" to "Doodoo Face" itself, this is dark, nasty, load-bearing booty funk of the Oakland house party variety. It's the part of Wallpaper. that Frederic and his flashier alter ego almost see eye-to-eye on. Is it satire? Sincerity? Something in between? Doodoo Face invites you to decide.