Four years ago, America’s Carl Kavorkian appeared at the Edge of the Wedge in Portsmouth. He was billed as “for fans of” Death Grips. Only, I’d been somewhat disappointed when seeing Death Grips live some years earlier. In contrast, Carl was an imposing MC backed with his little box of tricks, who made a lasting impression. He’s since gone on to also perform/record under his more extreme Manikineter persona.
Manikineter – “Copper Fields”
“Copper Fields” is the latest release written as Manikineter, one that is certainly removed from those put out under his own name. It’s an album to be listened to with the right mindset, an artistic soundscape as much as it is an assault on a crumbling world.
At times the programming and affects with “Copper Fields” appear as though Carl is trying to send a fax or re-load a computer game the old-fashioned way. Although outdated reference points, they may not sound the compliment in which intended, but then again Carl’s alternative project isn’t one that’s supposed to be easy on the ears!
Luckily a number of the tunes aren’t too long, if they were, you’d either not make it to the end or have a nervous break-down trying. Although, despite being relatively short they initially still come at you like a migraine, yet mostly disappearing before you’ve had time to fully register what happened.
Welcome to a World of Hate…
There are several tracks though, that are far more than just a barrage of experimental headaches, not that I’m complaining about that either. On side A there’s “Sick Cash”, which has almost a sort of funky groove lurking somewhere in the distance, along with an element of old school hip-hop.
Side B features the particularly earie opener in “Welcome to a World of Hate” before “53 Card Pick-up” contains the album’s first taste of Carl’s more conventional approach to MC’ing. As for the longest piece on the album “CHUD” dare I say, is the most accessible tune. Albeit one that eventually descends into chaos and industrial noises of despair.
Overall, “Copper Fields” is a crushing wrath of distortion and experimental beats. It certainly won’t appeal to all the b-boys out there, but if you like experimental hip-hop with lots of unnecessary noise, I still say he’s better than Death Grips.
“Copper Fields” by Manikineter is out now, order online click here.
