2020 had us striving for human connection harder than ever before, and Whatever, Man created an incredibly tactile space where life feels a little bit more real. Perhaps, it wasn’t a matter of intention but rather an act of pure reception to the world around us. Nevertheless, this album is a rollercoaster kaleidoscope.
BLACKSTARKIDS – Gabe, Deiondre and Ty – rose from Kansas City, a place which they call “a hidden gem” when it comes to music. Their greatly colorful influences who are Tyler The Creator, Childish Gambino, Prince, Nirvana, Mac Demarco, The 1975, and many more have fused into Whatever, Man, released at the very end of October 2020, making it a chaotic, saturated improvisation that bombards your mind with imagery in a comfortingly stimulating way.
When I find it hard to describe a piece of music, it usually means that I heard something completely new and fresh. That was exactly what happened with this album. Listening to Whatever, Man from beginning to end forms a unique experience – there are some unexpected turns and choices that expand the boundaries an “indie-pop album” usually imposes on an artist.
The dopamine-fueled songs roll one onto another with radio-like interludes as a motif. “This is Claire Mitchell and you’re listening to ‘Totally Claire’ – brought to you by Newman University” – says the speaker at the end of the first track – “So, guys, I have a lot to talk about today but we’re gonna play some music first. This is the new BLACKSTARKIDS called ‘Dead Kennedys.'" Claire chats about the struggles of finding friends, performing at local gigs and by this interacts with her not-so-imaginary audience throughout the album. This illusion of communication certainly stirs the fuzz of nostalgia sending us into gameboy-rubber bracelets times when radio shows were actually not only a source of entertainment, but also a way of feeling personally addressed, a place of human connection.
Intertwining with the songs are sounds of the outside world, very Brian Eno of the guys to do so, that broaden the album’s reality, a voice introduction from the cameos appearing on the song “FRIENDSHIP” – Matty Healy, beabadoobee etc. Those details added been chosen give Whatever, Man a very particular feeling. This album creates a sense of, I’d say, long-distance digital “scenius” (comes from ‘scene’) – as though you’re part of the temporary community BLACKSTARKIDS have built within Whatever, Man, sharing the joy and the drama of being young. The album’s lyricism has a very beatnik approach to it – with the style of performing, Clair, Deiondre and Ty sound like they’re having a casual conversation, discussing falling in love, “acting normal” and having adult responsibilities, appreciating friendship, struggling with existential questions, mental health, addiction. The lyrics seem to be speaking the same language you are even if you live far across the world.
“Let’s give it a whirl / Just might cut off all my curls / I know everybody’s dying / But just know we’re all trying” – hearing this made me accept the disaster we have to exist in now (not only now but also as we’re growing up) and, to be honest, it highlights what Whatever, Man truly is – a 36-minutes long poem that follows these three beautiful young people who are, just like us, trying their best. This album is an experience couldn’t have come at a better time.
Listen to Whatever, Man here on Spotify or on whichever platform you prefer. Follow BLACKSTARKIDS on Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.
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