Calliope Music Review of the Week
MIKE - Burning Desire
Scrumptiously Soulful Non-Stop Collage of Abstract Hypnotics
Framed within the story of a masked killer seeking revenge, MIKE delivers piquant Hip-Hop at every level. A mass lineup of fervent samples delineate savory melodies as warm bass soothes Jazz drumming. A refined mix of echoing piano, 80s synth keys, and eloquent saxophone keep a wide array of genre influence consistent, making for an extraordinarily chic Hip-Hop sound.
Most of the instrumentals keep to a slower bpm, reflecting the laid back nature of MIKE and company's vocal deliveries. This relaxed cadence is offset by quick run times, making each track an individual capsule of pure abstract essence.
This essence is highlighted thoroughly through the project's lyrics, where MIKE expresses himself in the products of desire, whether that be riches, peace, safety, or genuine human connection. To say MIKE has a way with words would be a bit of an understatement. The New York rapper uses a sluggish and often slurred flow to blend words together, crafting entendre on top of entendre. As words bend, so does meaning, and MIKE uses this to his advantage. The MC ushers in distinctive imagery that stretches from the warm feeling of loving embrace to the coldest nights of isolation, weaving in and out of wise proverb and honest metaphor. Although such garbling speech can be incoherent at times, the subtlety of verse and rhyme more than make up for it.
All in all, MIKE's Burning Desire is an album that reflects a purity of Hip-Hop and Rap. Despite cloudy progressions and hazed verse, there is an unrelenting realness to each phrase and each sonic environment. A truly exceptional divulgence in poetic justice.
Best Tracks: Zap! -- African Sex Freak Fantasy -- Snake Charm -- pls don't cut my wings -- REAL LOVE -- U think Maybe? -- Set the Mood -- Burning Desire -- THEY DON'T STOP IN THE RAIN -- Mussel Beach -- Sixteens -- should be! -- Let's Have a Ball
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