Technological Advances
Relatively unknown artists have to fight quite an uphill battle in order to garner a strong hype around them. With this struggle in mind, it is quite reasonable to assume that newcomers to the scene would have a hard time keeping up with veterans. Working with experienced artists such as Sims would certainly require an immense effort from an artist. The Doomtree rapper is a fierce icon of the underground scene and has certainly commanded a strong respect out of his peers. This high barometer of expectation may intimidate many people within the underground hip-hop scene, but it clearly hasn’t gotten to ICETEP or the members of Air Credits.
Comprised of Showyousuck and STV SLV (of The Hood Internet), the members of Air Credits, both of which have an array of guest appearances and remixes to draw from, still feel like they’re playing second fiddle to Sims’ Doomtree credibility. The eclectic blend of the indie and hip-hop influences certainly make Air Credits stand out from most rap groups, but as a Doomtree artist, Sims is held to a much higher expectation. The polish and detail that artists like P.O.S, Cecil Otter and Dessa have put into their projects over the years have certainly raised the bar for their fellow label mates. With Sims’ pressure in mind, it is easy to see why the position in which Air Credits and ICETEP were placed held both promise and potential doom. While Sims’ name can bring valuable recognition, it also can be deadly if not utilized well. Had Air Credits and ICETEP missed the mark on this project, they would be subjected to the harsh criticisms and rash judgments for the rest of their respective careers; but if they capitalized on this opportunity, they would be presented with a gift in being allowed to showcase their skills to a devout hip-hop following. Happily, for Air Credits and ICETEP, their efforts hit home and they were able to let the underground hip-hop community know what they are all about.
On the opening track “We Scan Everything,” ICETEP and Air Credits are able to provide a perfectly glitchy and menacing template for Sims and Showyousuck to spout out rhymes. Showyousuck’s menacing delivery propels the track to immediate highs early on, and the listener cannot help but be moved by his palpable energy. Just when you thought Showyousuck’s verse couldn’t be topped, the listener is presented with an extremely powerful display of prowess in the areas of rhyme scheme and articulation. The little details in Sims’ verses really power the track to impressive heights and ultimately get this project started on the right note.
While many songs on this project don’t include verses as dense as on this track, the quality of the songs remains strong. “Hologramme” sees both emcees taking a notable step back, as glossy synths and vocal lines hang over the track with a calm, collective attitude. “Raising Helvetica” and “No Waves” see similar appeals as happier timbres and more digestible melodies find their way into the mold. While these songs aren’t the most challenging of the bunch, they hit hard with their catchy hooks and their strong verses. Overall, the less prototypically hip-hop and more science fiction-y this trio of artists becomes, the stronger they get. “Bitchin Technology” sees the group rotate through various flow changes as they critique the dependence our society has fostered in technology. This track provides a strong conceptual showcase for the listener while also not throwing away the humor that is present in many Doomtree artists. While songs like “Octadant” and “Omega Planet vRE9T” air on the more sassy and irritating side both lyrically and sonically, this project generally does a fantastic job remaining consistent.
At the end of the day, Sims, Air Credits and ICETEP were able to coexist beautifully on this record. While three separate voices went into the making of this work, the overall product does not seem scattered. The vision on Artería Verité was as strong as it was unique. The dystopian and technological motifs plastered throughout the lyrical material may scare some listeners, but at the end of the day, the end result is nothing we did not already suspect. Artería Verité is as entertaining of a listen as you’ll get this year, and you’d be a fool to miss out on it.
Leave a Comment