Museum Music

I’m back from vacation, and starting today, you can expect daily reviews again! Let’s dive straight into 2025 with Museum Music by Edward Skeletrix, a project I found more fascinating for its aesthetic and conceptual ambition than for its music. Skeletrix, with his deep, gravelly voice and wildly experimental production, has carved out a niche in hip-hop that’s as captivating as it is polarizing. While his work is far from flawless, there’s no denying the creativity and boldness that make him one of the most intriguing figures in the genre right now.

The album opens with “Skeletrix Island,” a track that instantly sets the mood with ethereal synths and haunting piano. It’s like stepping into a surreal museum exhibit—disorienting but undeniably compelling. The production evokes a dreamlike atmosphere, transporting you to a space that feels otherworldly. Tracks like these showcase Edward’s ability to create an immersive soundscape that pulls you in, even if the musical execution doesn’t always hold up.

That said, the actual rapping is where the album falters. Skeletrix’s flow often feels choppy and repetitive, and his monotone delivery struggles to match the wild energy of the beats. While his unconventional style works in moments, like on “Plastic Body,” where autotune and chaotic instrumentals somehow gel, most tracks lack cohesion. His low, droning vocals can feel lazy and uninspired, undermining the potential of his experimental approach.

The production is similarly hit-or-miss. Some tracks feel like sonic masterpieces, with chilling melodies and creative textures, but others veer into absurdity. “Drug Dealer Injects His Fentanyl (Psychosis)” is a chaotic mess of distorted bass and screechy synths, sounding more like an avant-garde art installation than a hip-hop track. It’s intriguing as a concept but nearly unlistenable as a song. On the other hand, “Blurry Picture” and “Drug Story” are highlights, where the beats and rapping finally align to create something more cohesive and enjoyable.

Visually and conceptually, Museum Music excels. The album cover, promotional videos, and overall presentation are steeped in a dark, haunting aesthetic that feels like stepping into a dystopian gallery. Skeletrix’s commitment to his theme is admirable, and even when the music falls short, the artistic vision remains strong. Tracks like “Killing Over Likes” reflect this vision well, leaning into minimalism with sparse, drumless production that matches the eerie mood.

Overall, Museum Music feels less like an album and more like an art exhibit. It’s a project I respect deeply for its creativity and ambition, even if I don’t necessarily enjoy listening to it. Skeletrix pushes boundaries in a way few artists dare, and while the results are uneven, they’re undeniably unique. If you’re a fan of experimental art and willing to embrace the chaos, this album is worth experiencing for its aesthetic alone. Just don’t expect it to deliver consistently on a musical level.

EDWARD SKELETRIX - MUSEUM MUSIC
RATING - 6.9/10

FAVORITE TRACK - Blurry Picture

GENRE - Rap, Haunt, Cloud, Electronic, Synth