Black Hole Superette

Aesop Rocks fourth album of the 2020s, Black Hole Superette, is thematically similar to his previous release, Integrated Tech Solutions, which addressed technologys effect on humanity. This time, though, its more about individual details that make up our daily existence, including the commanding forces of algorithms and advertising, as well as anything else related to consumerism. Like many of Aesops other efforts, its also a riveting showcase for his expert storytelling skills, filled with personal anecdotes and tall tales alike. His boasts often border on supernatural powers, particularly on "Ice Sold Here," wherein he describes himself as the coldest man in the world, and "Send Help," which nevertheless acknowledges his vulnerable side, even as hes accomplishing amazing feats. "Snail Zero," about a self-reproducing snail unexpectedly popping up in a fishtank after stowing away on a plant, is outlandish in a more plausible way. On "John Something," Aesop recollects watching the documentary When We Were Kings when it was first released in 1996, on the recommendation of a lecturing artist whose name he cant remember. "Unbelievable Shenanigans" (with returning collaborator Hanni el Khatib) is an unexpectedly poignant sequence of summertime memories, beginning with a story about a pet hamster who escaped. Armand Hammer (billy woods and E L U C I D) provide verses on the anxious "1010WINS," and Open Mike Eagle contributes a gentle, calming chorus to "So Be It," but the most memorable guest appearances are the extended bars by Homeboy Sandman and Lupe Fiasco on the posse cut "Charlie Horse." Aesop handled all of the albums production himself this time, and it mainly consists of abstract synth funk and psychedelic boom bap, with the percussive "Movie Night" inspired by go-go. Similar to the way his rhymes seem to go on endless tangents yet remain specific, his beats are a bit abstract but stay on target, and they complement the raps perfectly. Black Hole Superette is yet another successful Aesop Rock record which artfully details and comments on the remarkable aspects of everyday life. ~ Paul Simpson

オルタナティヴ・ヒップホップの雄による10作目は、深夜のコンビニの外観が醸し出すリミナル・スペース的な雰囲気さながらに、全曲自作の骨太トラックと弾数多めの巧みなライムで超現実的な日常に引き込む一枚に。ホームボーイ・サンドマンやルーペ・フィアスコら縁のある連中に加え、神格化が著しいビリー・ウッズとエルーシッドのデュオ、アーマンド・ハマーも参加。
bounce (C)北野創