Review Hip Hop

Young Fathers

White Men Are Black Men Too

Big Dada • 2015

Young Fathers might be the most interesting contemporary vocal- and production trio on both sides of the big pond. Opinions about them vary from bulky and overeager on the one hand side and curious, exciting and innovative in the genre-mix on the other. The truth is that »White Men Are Black Men Too« is the combo’s catchiest, yet most enthralling and electrifying release, so far. This is mostly due to the tempo of the tracks – their noticeable higher bpm-rate give the record a much richer drive, while the record’s biggest focus lies on the voracious percussions. In various songs, different percussion-instruments are using different layers to play similar rhythms, and it’s this drum-driven mix that underlines the record’s importance. The rhythm-foundation is being enriched by a simple synth-instrumentation, mostly serving as a noisy soundscape, begging for attention. What comes out is a raw and raspy sound – and even though the record is basically the opposite of pop, you’re magically tied to every track because it triggers your pop-reflexes. There are lines and parts which are repeated like mantras in varying intensity, making them stick against your will. Just like it’s done with the drums, the different vocal layers keep overlapping. The chorally sung vocals, moving between James Blake and Howlin Wolf without being caught, are almost gospel-like and hypnotizing. In addition, the often pleading and longing intonation adds a spiritual flair to it all. Those expecting comprehensible lyrics in this context have understood nothing from the start.

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