Review: "Off the Grid" Album by Ultra_eko
South London based rapper Ultra-eko explores the zeitgeist on the urgency of his debut album,“Off The Grid”. His delivery has a sprechgesang quality to it, and every single lyric feels carefully selected for maximum impact. The arrangements too further highlight the potency of these lyrics for they have a sense of a heavy grandeur.
Ultra_eko's lyrics focus upon the state of the world, the difficulties of how online and offline life intersect. Frustrations associated with trying to navigate the world at large emerge, for the temptations of modernity alongside the frayed relationships that define this moment feels ever so poignant. Samples are stretched out, distorted, and contorted in new unexpectedly beautiful ways.
Ultra _eko's flows are spit like fire for he proves to be a highly unique rapper. At times touching upon the hard-edged Sleaford Mods, the album works best when taken in as a singular whole. The bile that informs many of these tracks further draws from Sleaford Mods’ highly pessimistic view of the world. Production goes for something smoother, one that has a more discernibly electro quality. Stylistically pieces of chiptune, trap, and EDM are woven together to create a wild unhinged tapestry, at times reminiscent of Brainfeeder Records’ weirdness.
A sense of unease introduces the album and sets that tone with “Viral”. Facts race on by while the percussion goes for a force of nature physicality. Elements of glam intermingles in the funk grooves of “Yellow Redux”. Trap beats rule supreme over the woozy “Boy Done Good”. Reflective to its very core is the surprisingly tender “Eternal Sunshine”, which opts for a brutal honesty.
“Daddy” goes for an intense exploration of family dynamics, the sadness that can define someone's life. Neon-hued splendor anchors the whole of “My Life”. By far the highlight of the album, a bit of hope and light is allowed into the proceedings, resulting in one of the more optimistic tracks. Reflection runs through the soothing finale of “Neon City”.
The “Off The Grid” album shows off Ultra-eko’s powerful worldview, one that reveals a world full of constantly shifting social mores and knowledge.