An eighteen-minute-long closer is always interesting, especially when it’s the sound of an old piano slowly burning: the crackling of the fire, the snapping of the piano strings, and the sharp and desperate twang they make as the structure of the instrument is compromised.
An odd experience – one can imagine a cult surrounding this scene, watching as the flames slowly devour this symbol of expression – and a one that acts as a perfect closer for this thematic and experimental piece. Behold ‘There Existed an Addiction to Blood’ by rap trio clipping., a true horrorshow of magnificent proportions. Equally menacing and absurdist, it manages to instil a true feeling of unease into the listener’s mind; macabre lyrics aside, the eerie ambience is enough to send your heart into your throat. There are some ingenious use of instrumentals on this album, from the aforementioned burning piano, to the mix of sounds that comprises the beat on ‘Run For Your Life’ – a dog barking, what sounds like panicked breathing.
Through the lens of the experimental horror film – the 1973 ‘Ganja and Hess’, about a black anthropologist-turned-vampire – the trio take the allegory further, using supernatural horrors to explore black cultural identity, religion, and systemic oppression. Daveed Diggs’ lyrics are delivered in an almost urgent manner – you can’t tear your attention away – and are abstract enough in their content for the listener to devise their own interpretation. Clipping. have created a microcosm of societal ills and horrors; once you see (or hear) you can’t unsee (or unhear). The feeling of consternation follows you around like a ghost; the only remedy is to replay the album, to try and seek further hidden meanings: to implore, to understand. By far one of the most interesting albums of the year – and just in time for Halloween: how fitting! – I can’t personally recommend it enough. Give it a listen; see what you think.
Haiku Review
A true horrorshow.
Cults and blood, it looks like a
Vampire’s wet dream.
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