SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: SAUL WILLIAMS – MARTYRLOSERKING

Saul Williams
MartyrLoserKing
Punk Rock Of Gibraltar

Saul Williams pushes the boundaries on social and political commentary in MartyrLoserKing. The Electro-Hip-Hop-Punk beats creep into your pulse, engulfing his powerful spoken-word-style lyrics. Every song on this album brings to light a historical issue – from social activism and protest, to justice and the Internet Age. Although no solution is proposed per se, listeners can have a moment of thought-provoking reflection.

The intensity of his tracks can come off as harsh and violent – going hand-in-hand with his lyrics. When you reach “Down for Some Ignorance,” the vibes wind down accompanied by the eerie calmness of a xylophone-mbira-like background. The last verse begins with Williams speaking, “puppets of religion, down for some ignorance. God has no religion, down for some ignorance. Fear and superstition, down for some ignorance.” The 10th track on the album, however, will bring the angst right back into your eardrums. “All Coltrane Solos at Once,” for the 58 seconds of the track, repeats, “fuck you understand me” as the song’s refrain.

This album encompasses artistic expression with raw socio-political frustrations of our times. The concept and delivery of MartyrLoserKing evokes a strong emotional response – making the listener inspired, uncomfortable, angry, or contemplative. Saul Williams is not appealing to the masses here; rather, he is making his point well heard. This album is not for everyone; it is not something you’ll feel pumped up to in the morning when you get ready. But – it is something to dive into if you’re ready for a strong musically lyrical ride.

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