After announcing their break up via a photo of a hand scrawled note upon toilet paper in 2014, the future of Sacramento-based hip-hop infused cyberpunk trio Death Grips was more than uncertain. A year later, however, the band released the second half of their double album ÔÇÿThe Powers That BÔÇÖ along with the enigmatic promise that they ÔÇ£might make some moreÔÇØ.

Fast forward to 2016, the band has toured pretty much the whole world and released their fifth studio album ÔÇÿBottomless PitÔÇÖ; a chaotic collection of glitchy and overwhelmingly loud industrial hip hop anthems which earns its place as one of Death GripsÔÇÖ best releases to date and one of the best releases of the year.

Tracks like ÔÇÿHot HeadÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿGiving Bad People Good IdeasÔÇÖ compile abrasive noise and frontman MC RideÔÇÖs signature manic delivery, assaulting the eardrums with themes of corruption in art and the disposable nature of the modern internet age. Other tracks like ÔÇÿBubbles Buried in This JungleÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿEhÔÇÖ feature rapturous synths and addictive hooks from keyboardist Flatlander which will have even the most traditional hip-hop fans nodding along to the bandÔÇÖs grotesque and nihilistic tunes. However, despite the albumÔÇÖs catchy and accessible nature (by Death GripsÔÇÖ standard), it still may not be the best stocking filler for nan this Christmas!

 

Ben Jones
@bnenjmin