Kid Static – It Gleams
Self-released: 2012
When I started writing this review for Kid Static’s It Gleams it inadvertently turned more negative than I initially intended. Maybe my post-finals exhaustion didn’t let me accept the album for what it was, or maybe my expectations were skewed by a few days of exclusively listening to new records from Death Grips and El-P. Regardless, I tried seeking out a deeper meaning or purpose that wasn’t entirely popping up. It Gleams is not a game-changing piece of genre redefining music, but it is a tight package of upbeat hip-hop from a clearly talented rapper/singer/producer.
It Gleams fits somewhere in the stylistic realm of an artist like K-os, with its hands in different parts of hip-hop, rock, and even miscellaneous electronica, but tackling less serious subject matter. Within the first five tracks Static jumps from big vocal hooks on lead single “Moonlight”, to the thumping hip-hop vibe of “T-Shirts and Sneakers”, then it slips right into a straight-up rock song “Breaking Down.” It’s all over the place, but that’s part of what makes Kid Static so interesting. He’s balancing different parts of production and vocals while refusing to stick to any unifying sound. It makes It Gleams somewhat of a bipolar listening experience, but so intriguing at the same time.
So where does this record fit? It won’t have enough edge or grit to satisfy many hip-hop heads, nor does it have the polished finish or accessibility for a larger crossover audience. If this record says one thing, it’s that Kid Static does not really care. Regardless of who is listening, Kid Static will continue crafting the music that he enjoys making. It Gleams is a glimpse into the restless mind of a maturing artist whose ambition will ensure improvement as he progresses further into his promising career.
3 out of 5