Introducing a double-album drop that’s as unexpected as it is eclectic and creatively gripping. Arlo Morgan is something of an internet enigma at present, carving a close line between raw human expression and the unprecedented levels that programmed design can now take things to.
As an introduction to all things Arlo Morgan, Grind is superb – an absolute highlight from the entire catalogue. Sharp bars pour through with both fluidity and personal depth, promising a revealing opener that lays down the foundations of an artist and life that enthrals.
The poetry and wordplay is second to none, the underlying motivational energy profound, and the track is one of the most effective in recent years to essentially showcase precisely who an artist and rapper is whilst offering an immersive soundscape and groove that’s naturally addictive.
Still Arlo proceeds to build further upon this strong foundation, with versatility playing a clear role as we move into the grittier and more quirky tones and performative flair of I Bet.
It then becomes clear that versatility runs even deeper than varying rap flows. Catacombs feels like a different member of the band – a smooth folk-pop anthem that again inspires and blends poetry and musical appeal. The sound is soulful, the lyrics both deeply personal and provocative, relatable and boldly human.
These qualities resound throughout all things Arlo Morgan, and despite the elusive online presence, the music feels a lot like a personal processing of life and creativity that’s timeless and engaging by nature.
Consider the acoustic fingerstyle instrumental Arlo Strings, or the rhythmically catchy folk-pop anthem I Pray. New territory, the same sense of emotional depth and drive. Stay brings together all former qualities in a way, an inspiring and personal story, with subtle rap and melody intertwined throughout bright poetic reflections and a clear sense of longing.
Also released this year, securing the work-ethic aspect of building a creative career – My Name Is Arlo lays down a more classic hip hop anthem of confidence and big beats, for the opening and title track.
The bars are sharp and carefree, uplifting and comical, and start us off on a different kind of journey this time around. Tracks like Homer Simpson follow with a similarly heavy bass and beat combination and conceptual relevancy. Then there are hidden gems like arlomorgan.com, an acoustic fingerstyle guitar setting an intimate instrumental vibe, as once more we’re thrown into the limitless artistry of the Arlo Morgan sound.
Later on, Be a Man blends both of these approaches, vulnerable lyrics and intimate guitar picking, with a soulful vocal delivery to help give this fearlessly personal story a little more authenticity and heart. This is also followed by the equally mellow and melancholic Maybe God’s Deaf. These closing moments starkly juxtapose the weight and swagger of the opening two tracks, and again feel like a completely different artistic angle.
Whether a mysterious artist is the intention, to focus on the music and momentum, or there’s something more artificially intelligent about the building of these tracks, the music speaks volumes on behalf of songwriting and performances focused on connecting and moving listeners. It’s probably one of the most impressive repertoires to suddenly emerge in recent years, and it’s one well-worth knowing about if you’re looking for lyrical supremacy and the refreshing, clever and contemplative framing of ideas.
Download or stream Still Arlo & My Name is Arlo. Find out more by visiting Arlo Morgan’s Website.
