The Internet – Purple Naked Ladies

The Internet – Purple Naked Ladies
Odd Future Records: 2012 

Purple Naked Ladies is the first release from The Internet, comprised of Odd Future affiliates Syd tha Kyd and Matt Martian. Following a string of remixes crafted by Syd, the album continues in a similar sonic direction, isolated musically from the rest of her Odd Future cohorts. While the OF crew is busy exploring sounds in left-field hip-hop or more traditional R&B songwriting from Frank Ocean, The Internet takes a different approach by combing experimental elements of jazz, neo-soul, R&B, and funk into an intriguing, but often frustrating debut album.

That’s not to say there aren’t any high points on display in Purple Naked Ladies. The sprawling “They Say” finds Syd’s soft vocals in soothing contrast to Tay Walker’s, reminiscent of The xx dynamics. This eventually gives way in the closing minute to a minute long interlude, providing some of the most pleasing instrumentation through the entire project. Album single “Cocaine” shows the duo’s songwriting capabilities, successfully making the goofball verse from Left Brain appropriate as remains the lone deep, powerful voice on the album, breaking things up nicely. As things progress, however, tracks “C*nt”, “Ode to a Dream” and “Gurl” completely morph mid-track showing some mixed results of their experimentation.

The closing series of “Fastlane”,  “Vision”, and “The Garden” round things out on a high note, again showing the potential The Internet has for future releases. With some slimming down, Purple Naked Ladies could have succeeded as a lean and powerful EP, while allowing Syd and Matt to further nurture and mature their sound. It’s honest, intriguing, and ultimately a rewarding listen. Although not fully developed here, Purple Naked Ladies shows promise for The Internet, and I’m sure there are bigger and better things to come.

3 out of 5