Today we’ve got a review by an artist who I only recently discovered due to another MC’s album. This man was a feature on it, and he impressed me enough that I reached out, offering to work with him in the future. That day is now, and with this short yet adventurous record, I get to see full well just how talented of an MC he really is! Let’s talk about it!
This is the February EP drop by MC King Gus. It contains three tracks:
– PITIFUL LORE
– BACK AT THE BARNYARD
– FESTINA LENTE with a total run time of 8 minutes and production from
– Quimby15
– Declan
Let’s start with track one. On this one, we have this piano-heavy harmony that is equal parts angelic and powerful. I love how it evolves into a proper hip-hop beat after that lavish interlude! As the beat is fully formed, you have these thudding drum beats, a range of mesmerising bass strings, and of course, the maintaining piano keys that provide that grand feel to the whole track!
On the second track, we have a more funky, 70’s feel instrumental. This feels like an old-school thriller film montage scene! You’ve got those infectious plucked strings that loop in that absolutely groovy fashion! There are also these flashy chord progressions that end in a high-pitched shriek every 10 seconds or so, as well as this very subtle vocal snippet that adds a bit of texture to the whole song!
On the final track, we have what is probably the most soulful feel on the whole EP. With those classical vocal harmonies, it is absolutely gorgeous in execution. It has this angelic and elegant feeling to it that gave me goosebumps! A rather minimal track, as those are accompanied by some synth chords and light drum patterns with some subtle piano chords deep into the background. The perfect way to close the EP off!
Across these three King Gus showcases a smooth and intricate flow and elegant performance! He ain’t out here yelling and screaming or trying to be gangsta or using street talk, but instead I hear a more introspective approach to his penmanship. It’s as if he’s contemplating what to say right as he gets into the booth rather than writing it down beforehand!
I absolutely adore his calm nature; it’s so refreshing to hear. I hear so much boom bap and chaos in my week-to-week that to hear an artist of this composition and sonic stature made me so happy because his delivery suits the energy and atmosphere of the tracks themselves!
He’s ever so crisp with his wordplay. He navigates the beats like a small bird peacefully flying through a forest of tall grass on a bright sunny day! He sounds passionate and in his element on his one.
When I heard his feature, I was impressed, but now getting to hear a more fully formed version of himself and the directions he takes, I’m even more fascinated, and my respect for him grows because of the route he decided to take! He’s letting the soundscapes and his cadence do the speaking for him; it’s the type of thing audiences can and will pick up on! He’s not trying to win a popularity contest or trying to be something he’s not; he’s authentic, and you can hear it!
This may be only eight minutes, but it’s some of
the best eight minutes I’ve heard all year. There’s a real compelling energy to the whole thing that I want EVERYONE reading this to hear! So link down below and feel the energy for yourself!
https://open.spotify.com/album/4OE2rZrgVz6W3TN06xVqFV?si=rlkzhBDsQt6JMlCOMbuCug
The Serpent Tongue Reviews 