Factually, the calendar says it’s 3 April. Fortunately, it’s also a day of indulgence as East-to-West coast rap darlings, MIKE and Earl Sweatshirt, and New York’s producer collective SURF GANG finally release their long-awaited LP ‘POMPEII // UTILITY.’ Here’s the breakdown: thirty-three (yes) tracks separated between the two rappers, with 15 for MIKE, 18 for Earl – all under the computer genius of NY’s producer gang.
Worked on over the past few years by the artists and producers, snippets have been circulating, leaving fans desperately craving more. The bars are considered lethal by some; the album outright ‘generational’ to others. What follows is nothing short of full-blown hype. Since the surprise announcement in early March, the roll-out has been relentless, with double music video drops, single visualisers, but always in perfect symmetry to one another. The wait has come to an end, let us now savour it all.
For a quick break-down of the heavy load, let us begin with MIKE’s measured distance, seemingly blasé yet intentional bars opening up the first part of the project. With most tracks around the two-minute mark, they flow naturally into one another, like waves calmly crashing against the shore. Melancholic looped synths in ‘NOT 4TW’ provide some nostalgic relief, until broken up by Aynsia Kim’s ethereal reverbed vocals. MIKE knows where to take his listeners, with many unexpected turns but always with a quiet, assured knowledge.
Earl now takes his turn. His mumbled verses are recognisable for their seamlessly measured flow, one that doesn’t miss a beat, with a loyal rhythm timing to the bit. ‘quickk ‘ takes its time, with ethereal digital synths, light guitar strums, making space for the following chill-infused tracks such as ‘Chali 2NA’ and ‘Chicago.’ Overflowing with imaginary, sun-drenched visuals, Earl’s flow drifts us through a ride we don’t want to arrive at its destination.
Although there is obvious variation in the two rappers’ flows, there is an overall lingering feeling of lightheartedness, one where it’s just a bunch of dudes, hanging out, doing what they love, alongside carefully crafted plugg trap beats. Ultimately ‘POMPEII // UTILITY’ comes to stand as years of work, collaboration, and dare we say… brotherhood?
Going through the full project is a mission we wholeheartedly encourage. Sit in the sun, close your eyes, and choose your favourite way to wind down.
Words by Lora Lolev
Image courtesy of the artists
