CD Reviews

Doomtree | No Kings

Doomtree (2011)

By REYAN ALI | December 6, 2011

3.0 Stars

As of this writing, no one on Last.fm has created a tag for "hyper-paced, ultra-smart, ultra-self-aware, futuristic, planet-hopping indie hip-hop." If such a genre did exist, No Kings damn well better be the first entry in its canon. The latest collaboration from Minneapolis collective Doomtree (MCs P.O.S., Dessa, Cecil Otter, Sims, and Mike Mictlan, plus beat makers Lazerbeak and Paper Tiger) sounds like the gang traveled into space and collectively lost their shit in the stratosphere. The effort is exuberant and sprawling, packed with twisty pieces of electronics and complicated raps. In usual Doomtree form, the MCs favor abstract pontifications and emblematic turns of phrase over fluid narrative, so don't expect to make sense of most of this shit on the first listen. On the upside, the songs justify further replay and analysis just because the group knows how to deliver consistently smart, compelling imagery. The record isn't perfect — "Bolt Cutter" has a grating, needlessly gooey chorus, and the self-congratulatory "Bangarang" is too crass for No Kings's lyrical vibe. But, flaws and all, it's a happy reminder that Doomtree are sincerely devoted to challenging both themselves and their listeners.

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Avi Buffalo | Avi Buffalo
Look, I get it: the last thing we need right now is yet another band who can be described as “sun-baked,” “reverb-soaked,” or even just “psychedelic.” But Avi Buffalo (I know! An animal name to boot!) are worth your attention for a few reasons.
Catching up with Doomtree's other six
Doomtree are a true collective, with no single voice dominating.
Dessa and Doomtree spread beyond hip-hop roots
A dash of coincidence provoked Margret Wander's relatively quick entry into Doomtree, the hip-hop crew whose "Wings + Teeth Tour" comes to the Middle East a week from Saturday.
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Casa Nueva Industries (2010)
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