These guys are just flat out weird in every sense of the word. So weird that at the time this was released, only one of the members was known and all three members are said to contribute equally to every aspect of the songs. Apparently being weird works, as their experimental album mixed of electronic, metal, and mostly hip hop were enough to take over the Internet and land a place on many people's "Best of the Year" lists. With the accolades it received, to was obvious that I had to check it out just to fulfill my curiosity.
I'm still not completely sure how I feel about the album (and probably will never be) but I am one hundred percent positive that a lot of my readers will absolutely hate this. I admit that this is a very reasonable reaction, as this is a very polarizing album and is extremely different from anything you've currently been listening. To put most songs in perspective, they make anything you've heard from Odd Future seem like One Direction.
Still, I'd try to come into this with as open of a mind as possible, even after what I just said. But I'm going to stop this introduction now, because this is just something you either get or you don't.
1. Beware
And it starts with a voice recording of Charles Manson. And the vocalist screams throughout the entire song. I might be done. Thankfully the instrumental was interesting enough to keep me around long enough to write down my thoughts. If you can decipher MC Ride's (his name has now been released) voice you'll look into the mind of the guy we see through the album, and how he is the beast that he worships. Sheesh.
2. Guillotine
This is the only reason that anyone found out about this group. Released as a single, this one is an absolute monster. You can pretty much hear everything the group offers in this one song. The electronic influenced is all over the instrumental, while it mixes in a heavy base that qualifies the song as a hip hop song. Lyrically, MC Ride is quite understandable and spits some pretty good shit for about half the song. Definitely took a while to grow on me but this song is catchy as a mug.
3. Spread Eagle Cross the Block
It is damn near shocking how much MC Ride sounds like RZA. Maybe a RZA that is heavily under the influence of heroin, but RZA none the less. The lyrics are terrible, but are obviously just there for shock effect. The beat is completely different though, as this is a solid instrumental no matter how you put it. The soulful samples and guitar show why this album has been thought of so highly. Good shit.
4. Lord of the Game (Feat. Mexican Girl)
Aside from the beeping sounds at the beginning and hook this is the most traditional hip hop song you will find on the album. Wasn't much I didn't like on here, but the lyrics on here are a significant improvement over anything up to this point. Flows are being formed and full thoughts are being made which is more than enough to compliment the killer instrumental.
5. Takyon (Death Yon)
As if they didn't think we weren't aware of their insanity, we hear MC Rude screaming at the top of his lungs for some parts of the song, which overshadow his lyrics that seem to be gradually improving as we move farther through the album. As a result, this is largely carried by the beat, which is dominated by the pop influences and have a futuristic feel to it. Overall, this song left me feeling indifferent.
6. Cut Throat (Instrumental)
Like I've said, the instrumentals of the album play a large role in the success this project has received. This Zach Hill produced beat flexed the groups muscles and contains some of the best used samples on the entire album. Only last for around a minute, but this felt weirdly necessary.
7. Klink
I've read that a majority of this album is meant to show the primitive nature that is given to a teenager growing up in the hood as result of drugs and other influences. I have no idea how much of that is true, but if it is then its genius and really makes this song sound good. The instrumental is all over that place and MC Ride sounds out of his mind. I say that in the most positive way possible.
8. Culture Shock
Well, they managed to put together the beat that sounds least hip hop, with the most hip hop sounding lyrics. I don't really understand why buts its certainly interesting. The group actually takes this song as an opportunity to talk about what they consider social issues. The beat I was talking about is almost sounds like you would find it on some electronic/pop hybrid of an album. Pretty good track.
9. 5D
Another instrumental that only lasts forty five seconds. I really had no clue what was going on at any point of song, which leaves me nothing to write about.
10. Thru the Walls
One of the most traditional sounding hip hop songs on the album. MC Ride sound shockingly similar to RZA again, and raps just as good as a normal RZA verse. The beat is urgent, rush, and extremely good. The drums here are like something you would hear on a Black Moon song, which is obviously a great quality. Definitely one of my favorite songs on the album.
11. Known For It
Placed nicely into the context of the album, as it builds upon the supposed theme that was revisited in the previous track. The beat is crazy on this one and ultimately carries the song for the most song. The guitar is impossible to ignore and mixes incredibly well with the previous mentioned drums. I enjoyed this song but it still wasn't giving me anything that would separate it from the rest of the album.
12. I Want It I Need It (Death Heated)
This obviously is the most focused song, in the sense of the theme of the album. Death Grips talk about the the temptations of drug and sense bring out the most primitive urges in a person. As with most of the other songs, the beat is very intense allowing no time for you to not pay attention to what they are saying. On the downside, this song lasts for around six minutes, while it could have given the same message in around four minutes.
13. Blood Creepin
In the last chance to leave an impression, the group tries to give their most intense song of the album, which is no small accomplishment. Unfortunately, they fail and provide one of the worst songs on the album. The hook obviously is trying to play off the theme of the album, but just comes off as unreative and horrible. There's also not a moment where MC Ride isn't yelling at the absolute top of his lungs. Overall, they simply take it so far and create a lackluster closing effort.
Rating: 4/5
If I had to use one word I'd use to describe this album, I'd have a fucking panic attack because I have no idea where to begin when critiquing this album. I'd really like a warm glass of milk and go to sleep. This album scared the hell out of me, but also made for an incredibly unique experience. For me, that experience was great at times, but I know for a fact that a lot of people will hate this. The lyrics are pretty terrible at times, but also serve the purpose that the album is trying to get across. The real reason that this album is getting such a positive review is the instrumentals. Like everything else, they can cause polar opposite reactions, but I found them to be very invitational and entertaining. Since this is music, entertainment is all I'm asking for. I'd very hesitantly recommend this, because I obviously enjoyed it but you might not. Let me know what you thought of the album, because I am honestly interested to know what others think of it.