Review: "manic depression for dummies" EP by Dre A.M.
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Queens based rap artist Dre. A.M. spits pure fire on the feral flows of his newly released “Manic Depression For Dummies” EP. Lyrics here focus on the self, the relationships between people and the thoughts that fly on by in their entirety. The songs are kept to the essentials as the vocals here steal the show with his rapid delivery in an almost staccato rhythm. The verses have a tremendous intensity to them and the razor-sharp focus cuts through any filter. With this stark vision, Dre A.M. crafts a project that is incredibly direct.
Dre A.M.’s directness brings to mind some of Earl Sweatshirt’s output, for, like Earl’s work, there is a sense of brutal truths that arise. Dre A.M. does not sugarcoat it at all, and the songs benefit from the honesty. Beyond this, the deft and nimble work choice touches upon some of Aesop Rock’s dexterity. The production further emphasizes this impact, as there is a clarity to his vision, one where the lyrics are not hidden by layers of effects but rather emphasized by the arrangement itself. Within the whole of the collection, these two influences emerge the most helping to tie the whole of the collection together.
“barely alive” sets the tone for what follows, as the song’s singular sound adds to the jagged edge of the narrative. A rather dramatic emotion ties the harrowing experience together for the beats are kept brutal yet economical. Forward and backward looping effects add to the disorienting trip of “omens” as bad vibes permeate. The sense of panic feels palpable as the way the song is structured gives it a claustrophobic appearance, one that has a vivid realness.
Grooves hit with a physicality on “brevity”. Cryptic noir detail bursts on the scene with the intense journey of “get up”, by far the highlight of the entire collection, as Dre A.M.’s delivery is fierce. Things are kept on the reflective kick with the toy box melody finale of “diamonds”.
The “Manic Depression For Dummies” EP proves to be a truly spellbinding work, one that shows off Dre A.M.’s deft skill in exploring ugly truths and how to navigate one’s own moods in a way that feels refreshingly honest.