Vacation In Hell

Album review

After peregrinating several years in the New York independent rap scene, trio Flatbush Zombies finally released their first album in 2016, 3001: A Laced Odyssey. This record − a cosmic and hallucinogenic experience − perfectly sums up the findings and ranting of the three companions, with cinematographic sketches, the resurgence of cloud rap, and iconic 90s memories. For this second album, Vacation in Hell, the Flatbush Zombies have polished their formula by making their psychedelia more accessible and orchestrated. All huge Jimi Hendrix fans (as seen on the cover art reference), the three rappers continue to build bridges between sometimes drastically opposed styles, while maintaining their flair for provocation and eccentricity. However this time, their skills take on less scabrous paths, getting more willingly straight to the point. This redeeming brevity is striking, particularly on the percussive Big Shrimp, the crisp Chunky and surprising Crown, in collaboration with the band Portugal The Man.

Still mostly produced by a third of the crew – Erick The Architect (Erick Arc Elliott) −, their musical world is often dark and imposing. Drawing from widely varying sources, Eric however draws with a brighter and more mature coherence than before. He’s also more willing to move in new directions by working with different producers such as Alchemist, Hector Delgado from ASAP Mob, Kirk Knight from the Pro Era team, and Tyler Dopps, a close friend of Macklemore’s. Everything seems simpler with this remodelled presentation, cleverly punctuated with the cries of seagulls and the sound of the tide. These streamlined structures help to harmoniously integrate veterans such as Bun B or Jadakiss, while also involving their friends Joey Badass and ASAP Twelvy. The whole piece concludes with great fireworks, Denzel Curry’s devilish triplets. With Vacation in Hell, the Flatbush Zombies have made up the gap between their always-strong visuals and the usual construction of their music, which can sometimes sound sluggish. Further evidence that you should always take a vacation, even in hell. © Aurélien Chapuis/Qobuz