Having explored dystopian science fiction with their astonishing 2016 release Splendor & Misery, experimental rap trio clipping. tackle the hip-hop subgenre known as horrorcore on their third Sub Pop full-length. Taking influence from the 1973 vampire-themed cult classic Ganja & Hess as well as the Geto Boys and early Three 6 Mafia, the group paint portraits of harrowing scenes filled with stalkers on the prowl and ruthless carnage. Daveed Diggs rapid-fire verses are precise and unflinching, detailing gruesome scenes with pinpoint accuracy. Much of the album, particularly the interludes, is filled with field recordings, giving the sensation of being on the run and uncertain of ones fate. Nothing Is Safe features suspenseful, repetitive piano clearly inspired by John Carpenter, but sidestepping the tropes of synthwave, and while the bombastic synths and skittering beats are closer to trap, this is far from that styles druggy, hedonistic tendencies. The albums most exciting tracks are downright hallucinatory. La Mala Ordina has a lurching, woozy beat and potent guest verses by Benny the Butcher and Elcamino, and once Diggs returns, the track becomes engulfed in scorching, all-consuming distortion courtesy of Canadian harsh noise master the Rita. For the first half of Run for Your Life, the tracks eerie melody and nervous heartbeat-like pulsations briefly flicker behind Diggs voice, only fully appearing in time for a merciless verse by Hypnotize Minds-affiliated Memphis rap legend La Chat. During All in Your Head, Robyn Hoods fiery incantations are electronically stretched and scattered over fits-and-starts bursts of disconnection static, eventually clearing the way for stirring, gospel-inspired singing by Counterfeit Madison. The searing, cut-up noise of performance art duo Pedestrian Deposit matches the breathless lyrics about acid burning flesh during Attunement. Ending the album is a recording of Piano Burning, a 1968 composition by Annea Lockwood, indeed consisting of a piano being set on fire. Hearing this literal destruction of music is an about-face from the albums previous content, but its every bit as chilling. ~ Paul Simpson

Rovi