Relatively new to the scene, Street Cleaner is a dynamic and
bold act from San Diego whose real name is Jesse Bishop. His newest full length
album is “Payback,” and is as gritty as he is.

Listen to “Payback” on Soundcloud

Fresh and strong, the album’s beats come in off the top rope
and deliver. After a cinematic build, we’re treated to tight rhythm that
drives and climbs. Contrasting the heaviness are some heady, celestial synth
instrumentals. The effect is dizzying, but the sharpness of everything keeps
the music in focus. There are bits of bubble gum and video game in here, but
the work is largely its own take on the 80s synth sound. Much of the tone is
gritty and even “athletic” in places, like the track “Grim Victory,” but cooling out to a bluish, smoky tone for pieces like “Nightlife.”
There’s a huge variance here, which is refreshing after seeing so many artists and
albums stuck in narrower creative culverts.

This is dance music, sure. You can dance like the devil to
it. But it’s not mindless. It’s steady but avoids being too repetitive. Songs
like the electric-charged “Outnumbered” and the dark, brooding “Devil’s Due”
evoke themes of their own, weaving images with the sound. The songs tell almost
visual stories, a hallmark of effective music in the genre and all too rarely
seen in more recent acts.

I would give this album a strong eight out of ten stars
(8/10). Keep your eyes on Street Cleaner; he’s promising, ruthless, and
talented… and he may just be the hero our city needs.