A combination of R&B influence, Internet sardonicism, and bass music culture can all be heard in Shlohmo's work, but to restrict it to these touchstones is to deny the mournful, sincere edge found in his finer moments. On Laid Out, Shlohmo embraces melancholy, starting with the near-traditional R&B ballad of loss "Don't Say No." As How to Dress Well's filtered vocals combine with a sweep of synths and sprinkler hi-hats, the traditional gives way to a space that Shlohmo commands well—soundscape and noise that sneaks in just below the radar. A similar vibe is visited on "Later," which progresses from a sparing, square beat to a hyper-syncopated section accented by animalistic vocals. "Without" rounds out the EP in the same doleful timbre, with a sparse arrangement of clockwork percussion offset by a crooning melody of synth and guitar. Though Laid Out has overtones of lament, it's never indulgent for its own sake; this is simply well-crafted and emotional material from a talented producer at the nexus of modern influences.