Rapid Review – 4/18/22

Denzel Curry – Melt My Eyez See Your Future: Ever since his critically acclaimed TA13OO, Denzel has been on a more chill trajectory of releases until now. This record plunges the listener back into Denzel’s mind in the same way TA13OO did, but with a more jazzy instrumental aesthetic and conceptual maturity. From the greatly received preview track “Walkin” to the orchestral strings in “X-wing” to the jazzy walking bass in “Angelz,” Denzel shows a versatility combined with highly intentional creative direction here that was still a vit lacking in TA13BOO. He moves from the individualized politics of the performer/entertainer and personal woes to direct commentary about the political atmosphere of his immediate communities on this album. Furthermore, the flow between all 14 tracks is great with some of the most seamless transitions I have heard in a while; listening to this record the whole way through just heightens the experience of each individual track. Absolutely no filler, too, I have no complaints. 8.5-9

Tee Grizzley – Half Tee Half Beast: After some more disappointing releases in my view, this record is refreshing with more interesting beats and variety in vocal inflections. The intro track is immediately engaging and then the ascending notes at the beginning of “loyalty” fully hook me into the album, the latter track accompanying Grizzley’s flow impeccably. This is thanks to producer JR Rotem, who is found all over this album including the hard-hitting “Robbery Part 3,” which also includes decent singing by Grizzley along with a narrative-driven lyrical delivery where he talks about his experience freeing a friend, his complicated relationships, and the actual confrontation with the court system. “No Hook” is pretty funny. I honestly just hear an artist still trying his best on the margin between the underground and mainstream but with some filler. 6.5-7.5

Jack White – Fear Of The Dawn: One of the most exciting rock releases this year, Jack White contributes an album full of crushing guitars and experimental instrumentation and artistic direction. The guitar performances here are almost flawless, there’s honestly not much more to say, however, “Hi-De-Ho” is a standout song here featuring rapper Q-Tip. Introduced by a sample of jazz singer Cab Calloway, White somehow makes this collaboration work seamlessly with Q-Tip rapping over a beat of walking basses, rock drums, and even banjo strings. However, some could critique the project’s one-dimensionality except for this one song. 7.5-8.5

Aphex Twin – Drukqs: Happy belated Avril 14th.