DiGiGHOULS – Island Adventures
DiGiGHOULS, composed of many different internet rappers, is a group that prides itself as the pioneers of crushed trap. What defines this genre is debatable, though DiGiGHOULS claim that crushed trap differs from trap due to its squashed bitrate.
-From My Demon Crush
Flute Dance is a relatively straight forward affair. The bit-crushed effect is utilised less abrasively than previous efforts, revealing yet another bland trap song in the mix. Meridian Jungle is a pleasant surprise in contrast; squashed dynamics are used sparingly and tastefully. The flow is gracious, and the use of space is admirable. Unfortunately, Walk Like This is crushed trap at its worse. The crushed-trap aesthetic adds nothing to the horrendously austere composition and cheesy lyricism. As if there were a pattern to these tracks, Out of Time is sincerely alluring. The crushed dynamics are utilised stylistically within the dreamy atmosphere, while the beat and flow are synchronous and mellifluous. Mario Galaxy are Bananas are both standard sample-based affairs with very little substance, with the later boasting an excellently implemented opening sample. These songs are filler, but in contrast to the lazy second last song, Moon, are masterpieces. Angel March closes the album in a somewhat inoffensive matter – the crushed dynamics add much needed charm and aesthetic to the simple composition. If anything, Angel March is proof this domain could produce some inventive soundscapes.
Unlike the atrocious My Demon Crush, there is a clear increase in quality on Island Adventures. Sadly, it seems the more crushed a song is by DigiGhouls, the less substance is buried beneath it. What holds DiGiGHOULS back from success are not their aesthetic, but their songwriting. Crushing the dynamics of a song does not automatically make it unique or good. Sometimes it works, though; there is certainly a style to be unearthed – if only it were more refined.
Below Average
Listen to it here:
DiGiGHOULS – Island Adventures
