Odd Future matures

Mixtapes, by their nature, are almost always uneven affairs. That’s part of their charm. When they get a physical, promoted release, though, the expectations rise.

“The OF Tape Vol. 2” offers Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All an opportunity to atone for Tyler, the Creator’s disappointing “Goblin.”

Tyler is less frontman and more facilitator on “Vol. 2,” letting everyone from Mike G to Domo Genesis shine unencumbered at points in its 18-track duration.

Not every song works, but the diversity on the tape makes the ride fun even when they don’t.

Frank Ocean channels Stevie Wonder for the beautiful “White”; Tyler, Taco and Jasper send up Waka Flocka Flame on “We Got Bitches”; and the entire Wolf Gang contributes to song-of-the-year contender “Oldie.”

The increased maturity of the Odd Future crew is evident all over “Vol. 2,” and suddenly, it feels justified to look forward to more solo albums by its members.