Death Grips – Year of the Snitch

Released in 2018, Death Grips’ “Year of the Snitch” isn’t an album for the faint of heart. It’s a sonic Molotov cocktail, exploding with a chaotic blend of genres that defies easy categorization. At its core, it’s hip-hop, but it’s twisted and contorted with elements of punk, industrial, noise, and even psychedelic rock.

MC Ride’s signature aggressive vocals take center stage, spitting cryptic verses that paint vivid, often disturbing imagery. Lines like “On the roof, catch a glimpse, paranoia’s grip” and “Governmentality, the serpent’s kiss” hint at themes of paranoia, surveillance, and societal control. The music itself is just as intense, with Zach Hill’s frenetic drumming and Andy Morin’s warped electronics creating a soundscape that feels suffocating and claustrophobic at times.

But amidst the chaos, there are moments of brilliance. Tracks like “Strobelights” and “Dilemma” showcase the band’s ability to craft infectious hooks and danceable grooves, even within their signature abrasive style. The album’s closer, “The Fear,” takes a surprisingly melancholic turn, offering a moment of reflection amidst the overall onslaught.

“Year of the Snitch” is not an easy listen. It’s abrasive, challenging, and often unsettling. But for those willing to delve into its sonic depths, it rewards with a unique and powerful listening experience. It’s a statement piece, a defiant middle finger to convention, and a testament to Death Grips’ status as one of the most innovative and uncompromising bands in contemporary music.