Review: "Noddin" Album by James Embrace
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San Antonio based rapper/producer James Embrace spits fire on the furious introspection of “Noddin’”. Storytelling is the true focus of the album while the narratives that emerge give it a feeling of going on a grand journey. Full of such intense illusions, everything about the album works wonders.
James’s vocals, front and center, have a commanding defiant presence to them. Arrangement further lend the trip a unique darkened spirit. Skeletal, gritty beats have a crispness to them as they have an origami-like approach to them. Melodies go for a haunting quality perfectly tying the whole of the album together in an impressive, dazzling array of color.
Rather thoughtful with its intense self-focus, the hermetic quality has a Tyler, the Creator ferocity to it. Like his output, James draws heavily from his own life. The apocalyptic vibes that run through the album feel so timely given the harshness of the world at large. Extreme honesty defines all that comes through the album for he does not leave a single detail out. Done with tremendous care, he at times harks back to some of Kendrick Lamar’s clear-eyed focus. By assuring that every detail is given the greatest level of care and consideration, James creates a world wholly his own.
“Ghost” sets the tone for what follows, with nimble riffs punctuating James’s rapping. Bleak tones underlay the pain of “Sanctuary” where a sense of drama takes over. Toy box melodies add to the disorienting whirl of “Dissociated” where the handclaps add to the tense atmosphere. Hanging organ swells lead the way over the stately “Piss on It”. 70s vibes run through “Keyboard Warrior” with James’s sly lyricism adding to the playfulness of the piece. Laid-back summery vibes fuse with “Feed Your Circle”. One of the most creative tracks on the album “2ez” bounces off the walls in a crazy, chaotic energy. Easily the highlight of the album, the track is a pure joy to behold.
“Underachiever” goes for a hypnotic trance while things unfurl in their own spectacular fashion. Trying to bring light into the proceedings, “Positivity” tries to bring a sense of hope, however fleeting. With the title track “Noddin’”, James takes on a harsher tact, featuring piano whose heaviness feels outright gorgeous. Further moving the story forward is the contentment of “Now I Wanna Live” where the reach towards something more sustainable defines it. Effortlessly closing out the album is “Alone”.
“Noddin’” shows off James Embrace’s impressive lyrical mastery as the whole of the album has a classic, hard-edged quality to it.