Album Review
Arca - Mutant
3 StarsThis record is deadly in intention, but it packs a sweet heart.
This month sees Björk releasing a strings only, stripped back version of her ‘Vulnicura’ album, one free of her own production, and that of Venezuelan producer Arca. Comparison points aren’t hard to find between the two forms of that record, and it’s clear on Arca’s second album ‘Mutant’ that he currently operates in a dark, twisted and gutsy headspace determined to slash reality into pieces.
2014’s ‘Xen’ debut was torn between destroying sanity and having an old fashioned dance. Violent but swaggering, it had more in common with the early hip-hop pulse of ‘2 Blunted’ than anything on ‘Mutant’. This record prefers to forge a new feel out of complete chaos, in the most deranged way possible.
Aside from the brutal norm its twenty, overwhelming tracks follow, ‘Mutant’ is also capable of digging up gold. The closing half of its title-track is a gorgeous breath of fresh air, while ‘Front Load’ could be a Timbaland beat in alien disguise. This record is deadly in intention, but it packs a sweet heart - Arca is one of very few names around who can balance the two extremes.
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Arca - KICK ii, KicK iii, kick iiii, kICK iiiii
4 Stars
A complex calling card from a singular artist.
3rd December 2021, 12:00am
Arca announces new album ‘KICK ii’
Check out new track 'Born Yesterday' now.
4th October 2021, 12:00am
Arca shares ‘Sin Rumbo’ from new, imminent album
Plus listen to a mixtape called 'Extrañas'.
4th July 2016, 12:00am
Arca shares ‘Monstruosidad’ track
Standalone number follows this year’s ‘Mutant’ album.
22nd December 2015, 12:00am
With Bob Vylan, St Vincent, girl in red, Lizzy McAlpine and more.