Review: "Dark Matter(s)" Album by Q.Z. Tha Leader
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An idiosyncratic style defines Q.Z. Tha Leader’s hypnotic “Dark Matter (s)” album. The stylistic potpourri reigns supreme for he filters through a great degree of genres, from elements of jazz, rock, electro, and noise, all neatly anchored in a fine, flexible hip-hop framework. By keeping things loose and unpredictable QZ truly marches to his own beat.
Huge amounts of distortion roll through adding to the intensity of the sound. Right in the center of it all is QZ’s highly pointed, articulate lyricism. His flow comes through with such urgency, for he combines observations on the greater universe with the here and now of the world at large.
QZ’s unique approach at times recalls the powerful, clear-eyed focus of A Tribe Called Quest. Arrangements further draw from their take as he allows the grooves and rhythms to become purely elastic. For the aggression of his style, the way he stretches things and adds a heavy jagged edge draws from Death Grips. Just like them, QZ lets things get a bit uncomfortable sonically. Volume, warped melodies, the whole of it has almost an industrial aesthetic. Then there are the lyrics, drawing from both a hopeful dreamy world (pining for Jupiter’s moon Europa) as well as dealing with the inherent flaws of the here and now of the world (systematic oppression).
“M.O.E. (Meanwhile on Earth) Intro” sets the tone for what follows: churning grooves and urgently delivered lyrics. Rock riffs filter into the mix on the force of nature style of the title track “Dark Matter(s)” feat. Devans Verse.
The luxurious “Born Leader” opts for a well-earned swagger, for the samples intermingle to create a joyous kaleidoscopic array. Muscular basslines worm through the infinitely catchy “God Flow” where lyrics are delivered with such poignancy.
Stripped down to the essentials is the hot humid approach of “Hero & Leander”, feat. Cristina, where the guitar adds to the reflective nature of the work. The personal journey of “Green House” feels particularly vulnerable with its intense storytelling. A calming finale comes with the laid-back “Good Intentions” feat. Devans Verse.
The self-produced “Dark Matter(s)” album shows off Q.Z. Tha Leader’s stark vision delivered with fire.