A Quiet Farewell 2016-2018(Crater Speak)

I can’t even begin to talk about the insane energy and presence this albums existence exudes into the world, before I even review it in substance I just want to say how seriously insane this project is and how deeply it has affected me as a human. "A Quiet Farwell, 2016-18" by Slauson Malone is an enigmatic album that creates an unsettling and nostalgic journey through its unique production, demanding a complete listen from start to finish to grasp its full impact. The album’s strength lies in its ability to blend abstract and experimental sounds with deep, emotional undertones, combining pitched-down vocals, samples, and dense noise to create an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and uncanny. Tracks like "Ttrabul 2" and "I Can Make You Feel Freedom, Katri" exemplify this, making the listener feel as if they are in a disorienting fever dream, with sparse yet powerful use of production elements building a sense of emotional tension. "King Sisyphus" stands out with its heavy drums and horns, offering a moment of head-nodding groove amidst the chaos, while "Smile #2" and "Off Me!" bring a more relaxed vibe with soulful production and strong features from Maxo and Pink Siifu, respectively, providing a brief respite from the album's otherwise intense atmosphere. The album’s themes touch on personal struggles, systemic racism, and existential reflections, woven together through the lyrics and production, with tracks like "WON’T BLEED ME: The Sequel" and "My Feet’s Hurt" highlighting these themes and presenting a narrative of defiance and introspection. The closing track, "Two Thousand Eighteen," offers a bittersweet farewell, stripping back the noise to reveal a more straightforward folk-rock sound that encapsulates the album's journey, moving from abstract despair to a raw, personal conclusion. Overall, "A Quiet Farwell" is a complex, thought-provoking album that requires multiple listens to fully appreciate its depth and nuances, offering a unique experience that challenges the listener and leaves a lasting impression.

SLAUSON MALONE - A Quiet Farewell 2016-2018 (Crater Speak)

RATING - 9.7/10

FAVORITE TRACKS - Smile #1, Smile #2, Ttrabul 2(see page 42)

GENRE - Alternative