Written by: The Administrator
The promo email for NODINE's Amateur Land was unexpected but far from unwelcome. The artist behind black metal outfit Ainor switched gears and now makes rap/trap/experimental hip hop under a new moniker, released via Syrup Moose Records? In the world of artistic development, that's an exciting switchup. My interest? Considerably piqued. While the genre tags may imply a shiny polish, this isn't clean stuff from a production standpoint--it feels like the rap equivalent of a classically homegrown bedroom black metal project. That, my friends, is by no means a bad thing. Amateur Land feels homegrown in the best sense, providing an eclectic spread that feels tangible and human and raw. There's some trap, some borderline rage-fueled horrorcore, some minimalistic boom bap, and requisite let-me-get-a-braggadocious-one-in-real-quick freestyles. Every track brings something new to the formula, giving the whole affair a very exploratory feel, almost like NODINE is attempting to map complex terrain via the light of glowstick. In a world where artists are all-too-oft trapped in a trademark aesthetic, I find significant value in a deliberately eclectic collection of sights and sounds. It can make for a jarring listening experience, but consider: being jarred is good. While seemingly random, the list of stuff I enjoy herein is extensive. I really like the electronic titular refrain on "Designer," as well as the general eerie synth and dusty antiquated air of "Gimme Love." This track in particular is causal and warm, and makes me feel like I am present for the recording. Perhaps even actively contributing to the backing vocals. Mixing is minimal, and the track feels significantly intimate as a result. There's a sense of narrative self-awareness permeating the album--the throat clears on "Around" are a particularly sick inclusion, and add a level of grounded realness to the more urgent flow. There's a plethora of humorous lines littered throughout, lending the whole project a sense of fun. Meanwhile, more dark trap/horrorcore oriented elements hit hard within the framework of an intrinsically raw backdrop--take ominous highlight "Clave" as a prime example, with its raging vocals bursting forth from the noise. I do wish that these darker aesthetics weren't so frontloaded on the album, as they are among some of my favorite moments. Some tracks are an obvious display for instrumentation--see the lengthy closer Poison"--but Amateur Land doesn't feel caught up in the production choices, nor does the eclectic beat selection attempt to fight for the limelight. This project features some rapping rapping, the kind of bars that feel like they needed to be expulsed in a single session. "Goosebumps," the arguably most polished track herein and the only with a feature, has a fun enthusiasm and a delightful interplay between fast raps and a fun singsong cadence. Featured rapper Veli5 has a casual off-the-cuff delivery that fits the track quite well. The verses on "Ridicule" and "Confession" are particularly well executed as well, and while the tracks clocks in at an exceptionally brisk 1:15 and 1:11 respectively, they feels like fleshed out statements. Stand-alone vignettes often exist as ideas rather than songs proper, and while down the road I could easily see these moments built into full tracks, they accomplish their mission well for an introductory tape. You aren't gonna find much typical song structure herein. Outside the scope of this release, I am excited in general by the prospect of Syrup Moose Records releasing more hip hop albums. I personally believe that there is great value in underground labels representing a wide range of genres, and in a similar vein, there is great value in introducing a primarily metalhead audience to something outside the ol' wheelhouse--namely, more rap. NODINE represents a fantastic step in that direction. While the sonic territory is obviously different, the intrinsic rawness, emotive air, and eclectic DIY ethos isn't exactly unfamiliar. Bottom line? I've really enjoyed my time with Amateur Land, and I've enjoyed digging into its assorted nooks and crannies. Regardless of whether or not you consider yourself a fan of raw and experimental hip hop, I recommend check this one out. NODINE - Amateur Land was released April 5th, 2024 via Syrup Moose Records. Find it here!
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In a continuing attempt to cover more music that would all-too-oft slip through the very large cracks, we slumbering scribes are making an effort to publish short reviews at a greater frequency, thereby shining our very small spotlight on more cool shit. Here's a mini-review of the latest single from an artist that made my 2023 EP list. Written by: The Administrator It is time, dear readers, for something completely different. che's excellent Crueger made the cut for my list of favorite 2023 EP's, largely due to a sense of overblown excess that smothered the minimalism of his breakout "euphoria." Indeed, to quote my review, Crueger proudly displayed the "maximalism of horrorcore and rage with the arguably more maximalist maximalism of Chicago drill." Given this apparent dedication to generally weird and ominous vibes, I've quite enjoyed che's sound, especially his most recent output. The two singles released this year thusfar are a little more bright, a little less obfuscated and claustrophobic, yet still notably weird. He dropped the one-off "bae" back in February, which I enjoyed, but "Miley Cyrus," released March 27th, is truly excellent in my humble opinion. The production on "Miley Cyrus," courtesy of Prettifun, is comparatively crisp and clean with moments of thickly grounded bass, giving the whole affair a certain oomph. The production is sure-assured, layered enough to feel full yet never overwhelming che's presence. It's also a small thing, but I really enjoy the track's conclusion as the components fall apart in a fun sonic de-evolution. As for che, his flow is trippy and hypnotic; he glides over the beat in a way that feels more effortlessly than past efforts. This is the epitome of smooth delivery. What the fuck is he saying? Individual words and phrases are apparent, but when you string it all together, I have no clue what meaning the lyrics impart. Does that matter? Not at all. The uncertainty of what it all means is only exemplified by the video, which features a series of seemingly random bits of footage--some mundane, some unsettling. The whole thing appears to have been edited by someone swiftly fluctuating between paranoid insomnia and hallucinatory threshold consciousness. It's groggy and delirious and oddly intoxicating. Much like the song itself, I can't see many Sleeping Village regulars vibing with the experience per se, but I wholeheartedly encourage checking out weird underground shit on mere principle. This isn't a bad place to dive in. Overexplaining seems antithetical to the music itself, so I'll shut up and let you check it out below. che - Miley Cyrus was released March 27th, 2024 In a continuing attempt to cover more music that would all-too-oft slip through the very large cracks, we slumbering scribes are making an effort to publish little one-off reviews that would have previously (and arbitrarily) been deemed too short for publication. Here's a mini-review of a fun lil' summertime single. Written by: The Administrator There's something special about a song released on January 1st--a cold and snowy day at the Sleeping Village, as I recall--that wholeheartedly embodies a feel-good beach bop aesthetic. SoCal rapper Mr. Lil One's new single, featuring Ari Duarte, hits the nail on the head when it comes to summertime vibes. "To The Sky" evokes sunshine, the sound of surf on sandy beaches, the smell of sunscreen and drinks with little umbrellas. Flip flops, frolicking, warm skin. The beat is smooth and bright, providing a little surfy sun-soaked bounce. Everything here is crisp and warm and clean. Borderline lovey-dovey. Complimenting the light mood, Mr. Lil One's lyrics are playfully unabashed, overtly sexual, and occasionally sweet. His flow is refreshingly straightforward and casual. Ari Duarte's chorus feels classic in a way that is more timeless than old-school per se, and her delivery on the last verse is leisurely and comfortable, like a lazy afternoon after a morning in the sun. Clocking in under three minutes, the song is short and sweet--nothing more than it needs to be. I dunno about your particular locale, but it is cold and dark 'round these particular parts, and tracks like "To The Sky" are a welcome addition to the playlist. Check it out below! Mr. Lil Uno (feat Ari Duarte) - To The Sky was released Jan. 1st, 2024
In a continuing attempt to cover more music that would all-too-oft slip through the very large cracks, we slumbering scribes are making an effort to publish the little one-off reviews that were previously (and arbitrarily) deemed too short for publication. Here's a mini-review of one of Hus Kingpin's many, many 2023 releases.
Written by: The Administrator
The tree has, alas, been discarded. The strands of light coiled in storage. The stockings haphazardly--carelessly, even--crammed in a drawer. Despite a distinct lack of holiday decor 'round these parts, I'm not ready to let go of that alleged magical Christmas spirit quite yet. Hence today's spotlight on Holiday Hus 2: Cocaine Christmas. This seasonally appropriate soundtrack, courtesy of the ridiculously prolific Hus Kingpin, provides a short and sweet lingering taste of the most wonderful--scratch that--worst time of year. Featuring no features and seven tracks across a delightfully brisk eight minutes, this project shows Hus Kingpin's characteristically confident raps over some tastefully dusty, chilly, and occasionally eerie instrumentals. Hus eschews hooks and classic song structure in favor of quick coke rap snapshots, giving the whole affair a laissez-faire and airy feel that contrasts wonderfully with the subject matter. It's a fun juxtaposition, and he plays into the implicit humor of the contrast--the entertainment factor is high. Had I heard this prior to publishing my EPs of the year list, it would most certainly have made the cut. I've had this on repeat for the past few days, and it has yet to grow stale. If forced to pick, my favorite tracks herein are the debonair yet somber "Fireplace" and the calmly menacing narrative of "Snow White." With that said, every song here, including the intro and outro, are absolutely worth your while if you enjoy--casually or otherwise--the allure of underground hip hop. Despite already dropping two (!) additional projects since this EP was released, Hus has another new LP coming in just a few weeks. Before the next in a looooong line of quality releases arrives, I recommend checking out this one out. Listen below and find it here! Hus Kingpin - Holiday Hus 2: Cocaine Christmas was released Dec. 15th, 2023. |
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