Album Review: Death Grips- Jenny Death

Death Grips: Jenny Death

8.3/10

Jenny Death Now

Death Grips have always been a puzzle I've been trying to solve. I really never quite know what they're going to do next, whether it is break up spontaneously, or ditch whole tours. They certainly have gained this kind of rebel persona throughout the years, and they don't seem to care what anybody thinks, perhaps this is what makes Death Grips' music so polarizing. This attitude reflects through in their music. Their music is abrasive, loud, and a punch straight to the gut. They always find new ways to surprise me every release, but they also have not really released anything great in a while now. Their first two records Exmilitary, and The Money Store were instant classics, but since then I do not think they have been able to capture that punk-rap essence they look for. The last couple albums have really not hit home with me, despite still being pretty progressive, experimental records. That being said, I do think Jenny Death is a pretty solid return to form. 

Death Grips sound a lot more instrumental on this album right out the gates. Zach Hill's drumming adds a lot to the sound of this record. I think it makes the whole thing sound a lot more punk than rap. The drumming as well as the blaring guitars on this make it feel a lot like sludge fest of an album that was Exmilitary. This album is not straight forward punk or anything though. It still features many of the glitchy electronics found on almost every album of theirs. MC Ride is still doing his thing to. He is aggressive, strong, and sometimes disgusting. This album is their most consistent in a while, but still nowhere near the fist two for me. I feel like the strongest points in the album are when they try new things. Why A Bitch Gotta Lie? features crazy vocal modulations over insane punkish music. It is a really solid song, but pretty over simplified in the lyrics. On GP is a crazy journey that takes many forms, but the full drums on this really bring it together. This song showcases Death Grips' ability to play loud and quietly very nicely. Powers That B is another obnoxiously loud song that is perhaps too long, but is still overall enjoyable. I think a lot of these songs are actually too long. Death Grips have plenty of ideas don't get me wrong, but some of them are spread out far too long. Also while this album does new things, it does not do an insane amount of them. That's been a problem for a while for me with Death Grips. They've been making the same kind of songs for such a long time that it sometimes can get a little irritating. While the songs themselves may be awesome, sometimes it feels like I've already heard them play a new song. This album is not as plagued by this as earlier releases, but I still don't get that rush I get while listening to their early projects. Death Grips' innovation is exciting still, but nowhere near what it used to be. 

While some songs are too long, and the spark might be somewhat dimished, Death Grips' have another solid project on their hands with Jenny Death. They might be broken up, but they still will have a very special place in my heart! Jenny Death would be a great way to end a great career, but honestly they probably aren't even done. They have been trolling fans for years now, and why would they stop. They are in charge, and we must merely try to follow them. Death Grips' music is reflective of all their behavior. It is strange, unpredictable, and hard to categorize, but in the end isn't that why people love them. They conform for no one, and that is truly special. 

Best Songs: Inanimate Sensation, Pss Pss, Centuries of Damn, On GP

Worst Songs: I Break Mirrors With My Face In The United States, Death Grips 2.0