SLEEPER DEMOS, 2023
Genre: Indie/Alternative Hip-Hop
©2023 GUSHER SOUND
Reviewed: 24 February 2024
Amidst the dynamic and ever-evolving realm of contemporary music, UNCLE boldly steps onto the scene with "SLEEPER DEMOS," a bold venture into uncharted musical territories. Originally unveiled in the midst of 2020's chaos, and later reintroduced to the world in July 2023, this album embarks listeners on a thrilling odyssey through a kaleidoscope of experimental soundscapes. Blending elements of pop-punk grit, alternative hip-hop, and ethereal R&B/soul, "SLEEPER DEMOS" delivers a mesmerizing yet divisive sonic experience that challenges conventions and defies expectations.
The title "SLEEPER DEMOS" holds a myriad of meanings and symbolic implications. It suggests a profound journey of exploration and introspection, inviting listeners to delve into the depths of the music's themes and concepts. This title hints at a voyage of discovery, where the artist delves into new sonic territories and experiments with fresh sounds and styles. As listeners embark on this creative exploration, they are encouraged to reflect on the layers of meaning woven throughout the album, making for a truly immersive and thought-provoking experience.
As soon as the music begins, listeners are engulfed in a whirlwind of captivating soundscapes and raw emotions. While the skits and interludes attempt to enrich the sonic experience with added depth and content, their execution falls short, failing to fully encapsulate UNCLE's artistic vision. Despite the ambitious storytelling, the album's narrative structure suffers from inconsistency, leaving listeners struggling to decipher meaning amidst a sea of fragmented storylines.
The initial phase of the album, encompassing tracks 1 through 3, introduces listeners to a serene ambiance with gentle piano melodies and elements of alternative soul and R&B. This section sets the stage for the slow bliss depicted in the opening track, "SLOW BLISS." Transitioning into the second phase, spanning tracks 4 to 9, the album takes a bold turn towards a more assertive tone influenced by pop-punk grit. Standout moments include dynamic switch-ups and beat drops found in tracks like "I FEEL LIKE A MOP," "FUCKY" featuring Shoka Sunflower & Kiara Baum, and "EXISTENTIAL DRIP" featuring Shoka Sunflower. This phase stands out as a powerhouse in the SA alternative music scene, showcasing UNCLE's versatility and innovation.
The line "consciousness over coochie, politics over punani," extracted from the track "EXISTENTIAL DRIP," cleverly juxtaposes intellectual pursuits and political awareness against mere physical or sexual gratification. It advocates for a shift in priorities towards fostering a deeper connection with oneself and a sense of responsibility towards society. In essence, the phrase encourages listeners to prioritize intellectual growth, social consciousness, and meaningful engagement with the world over fleeting desires, emphasizing the importance of personal development and societal contribution.
In the third phase of the album, spanning tracks 10 through 14, UNCLE presents a minimalist approach with elements of alternative R&B, offering a softer and more concise sound compared to the earlier tracks. Moving into the fourth phase, encompassing tracks 15 to 18, there is a noticeable uptick in energy and intentionality behind UNCLE's sonic direction. Notably, the track "I WANNA KNOW IF YOU REAL" exemplifies a contemporary and deliberate sound, showcasing UNCLE's meticulous balance between his musical style and vocal delivery. Finally, the last phase of the album, from tracks 19 to 26, introduces electronic synths to UNCLE's already rich production, further expanding the depth and complexity of his musical landscape.
The lyrics extracted from the song, "END OF THE WEAK",
"I be at work all the time, millions keep me alive/Billions making me fine, I don't want that on the line/What you wanna say to me? What you wanna say to me? Don't mean nothing/Why you wanna play with me? Why you wanna play with me? Don't feel nothing". The lyrics delve into a profound sense of detachment and disillusionment with the pursuit of material success and societal expectations. The first stanza paints a picture of relentless work driven by the desire for wealth, yet there's a reluctance to fully commit to this lifestyle, hinting at a deeper internal conflict. The following lines question the authenticity of interpersonal connections, suggesting a profound sense of apathy towards superficial interactions. The repetition of inquiries highlights the speaker's confusion and disillusionment with the shallowness of these engagements, adding layers of complexity to the emotional landscape portrayed in the song.
Tracks such as "MOLA B*TCH" and "LIZARD S*X" introduce some challenging moments within the album. These songs exhibit a chaotic energy that contrasts sharply with the overall tone, resulting in a disjointed and unpleasant listening experience. The melodies lack depth and complexity, coming across as flat and discordant. Furthermore, the addition of robotic auto-tune elements clashes with the natural tones of the piano, creating a jarring and uncomfortable sonic landscape.
A standout gem within the album is undoubtedly the track "SKIN." Featuring ethereal vocals from Giuliette Price and Zeta, it offers a blissful departure from the album's signature pop-punk grit. This gentle composition serves as a tranquil oasis amidst the chaos, instilling a sense of peace and purity in UNCLE's artistic vision. "SKIN" showcases a newfound vulnerability in UNCLE's craft, captivating listeners with its delicate melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
Yet, within the tumultuous whirlwind, there shines a flicker of brilliance. Despite its lengthy runtime of 46 minutes encompassing 26 tracks, "SLEEPER DEMOS" skillfully intersperses moments of beauty and introspection amidst its chaotic canvas. The album's pacing and dynamics serve as guiding lights in the midst of darkness, propelling the listener forward while also providing space for moments of quiet contemplation and reflection..
Similar to a powerful storm defying the constraints of tradition, "SLEEPER DEMOS" boldly rejects the confines of a singular genre or narrative framework. It dares listeners to embrace the chaos, to find joy in the unpredictability, and to discover beauty amidst the disarray. While it may appear scattered or disorderly to some, I view it as a testament to UNCLE's unwavering commitment to authentic self-expression..
Ultimately, "SLEEPER DEMOS" transcends the boundaries of a traditional album—it's an immersive journey. It navigates the intricate pathways of UNCLE's psyche, unveiling layers of his multifaceted and intricate identity with every twist and turn. So, prepare yourself, for "SLEEPER DEMOS" isn't just a collection of songs to be listened to—it's an evocative experience, inviting listeners on a captivating voyage into the depths of chaos and creativity.
NB: Let's make some noise, folks! Drop your thoughts in the comments – your voices matter, and I'm all ears for what you've got to say!
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