Hip-hop meets surreal art with Klaus Layer's latest instrumental collective, Society Collapse. Released October 7th, Germany's most enigmatic beatsmith delivers his latest “genre-defying” magnum opus since 2013—and all I can say is its definitely surreal.
“In a society where unsettling truths about responsibility are given little thought, and short-sighted impulses have become commonplace, it's east to become disillusioned,” wrote Layer in his artist statement pertaining to the new album, “This record is a musical manifesto for reclaiming that awareness, personal choice, and inspiration for progression.”
Whilst most of modern music sends us parading on the path of parties and luxury, just as retrospect Hip-hop infuses righteous anger into our very bones and sinews, Layer's brand of beats and sounds had me in a surreal, tranquil state of contemplating.
And being an instrumental album, I settled with a simple equation: Headphones in, album on shuffle and repeat, while I go about on my ordinary work flow. And the results were this: Not only was I enthralled to self-reflective life evaluations, I was “lifted” into indeed, a surreal world, where my thoughts wandered freely, and the world around suddenly became a little more interesting.
It's also as if Layer had the precise palette befitting an ordinary person's “a day in the life”. Songs like “Reason” and “Rundfunk” became the soundtrack to the latest movie wherein I was the main character as I consciously walked through the busy streets of Soho. “Supermarket” and “Francesco” were perfect tunes to my usual study sessions as I nestled cozily by the fire in my favorite cafe.
Heck, even Halloween seemed a lot more closer with the eerie sounds of “Witch Dance”, and for those itching for a touch of conventional Hip-hop, I suggest hitting next until “Sleepy Hollow People” which features a version with K.A.A.N., dishing out some flavorful verses. As the day ended and I found myself on the train, “What a Day” had me locked in serene contemplation, both looking back at the day's worth, and actually looking forward to tomorrow's mysteries.
This may very well be the official soundtrack to my forthcoming life documentary—and if that were an actual thing, I wouldn't think twice about choosing this album.
In essence of the album's review, I found that Klaus Layer isn't just a musician. Like his previous music, which transcends the boundaries of genre itself, Society Collapse indeed collapses the walls of mere music, and lifts us into a realm where both audio and visual weaves perfectly to life itself. If you ask me, the man's a visionary—and quite frankly, we may need just a little more surreal in our lives.
The album is currently open for streaming via Soundcloud and Spotify, and purchase on iTunes , as well as the Vinyl and Tape option, which can be accessed through the link below.
https://www.
By Jods Arboleda for RAPStation.com
