Doula - A Quiet House in a Good Neighborhood
Doula is an alternative hip-hop, trap metal blend from Massachusetts, USA. His first proper debut, A Quiet House in a Good Neighborhood, was released July 30th, 2021. While its core genres may not be entirely unique (nu-metal is, at its core, just rap metal), its trap-fused elements are refreshing. The result may have been amateur, though it was bolstered by a solid vision.
While the opening theme is relatively sterile, Things That Go Bump in the Night is far more admirable. Both humorous and mysterious, the song benefits from clear vocal takes and astounding accompanying synthetics. Furthermore, the progression is admirable. The tone is inconsistent, though; one can’t tell whether it’s supposed to slap (via the rap) or be spooky. Thankfully, the remaining album is far clearer. A Quiet House’s production may be lacklustre, but its style is inimitable and commendable. The infusion of nu-metal is faultless. A Good Neighbourhood does something similar, homing in on the nu-metal during the choruses’ and utilising delirious synths amidst its otherwise plain rap verses. Vivisection is essentially the opposite, in which the nu-metal choruses aim to channel Serj Tankian of System of a Down but fail to replicate the magic. Not all the vocals are bad, though; Cannibal Cipher (Prod. Grant Joy) is fantastic, as is its awesome blend of trap elements. Furthermore, the second half of the album is generally much tighter; Possession, In Your Own Backyard and Take Your Exit are all a solid way to end the album.
Suffice to say, Doula’s dark celestial soundscape is the highlight of A Quiet House in a Good Neighborhood. The accompanying synthetics are fantastic, though the amateur rapping brings the experience down. Needless to say, if Doula can tighten his delivery in future, he’ll undoubtedly soar. In terms of aesthetic and songwriting, the album is brilliant. This is a rare instance where the proficiency of the artist may be lacking, though everything else makes up for it. Well recommended for a casual listen-through.
Good
Listen to it here:
https://doula.bandcamp.com/album/a-quiet-house-in-a-good-neighborhood
Doula - A Quiet House in a Good Neighborhood
