Quiet confidence in the form of lo-fi indie guitar grooves and chilled, modest hip-hop – a timeless set-up and sound, with clever, relatable bars backing a smooth underlying beat. Drainhair and Roman Barks join forces, for the memorable visuals and vibe of Attention.
Noting something of a Four Owls aura in this old-school mellow rap flow and production, Attention is far from the attention-grabbing track its title and video might imply. The music is easy-going throughout, the performances are too – an organic guitar, light ambient details, a simple click to drum-line rhythm. We also get a smooth, soulful but distantly mixed hook – both artist’s voices melodically intertwined, for the tuneful meandering mention of that title.
Drainhair’s opening bars are diverse and playful, the flow switched up within a couple of lines, the chorus returning to hold that melodic and dreamy, slightly other-worldly mood. Then as Roman Barks hits the mic, the lyrics get a little more sharp and poetic, the flow all the more freestyle, the ideas conscious then surface-level accordingly.
It’s a smart and likable progression, and a track that feels both genuine and carefree as a creative offering. That balance is key to drawing you right into the centre of the music, and humility and heart are rare qualities in music these days – not least of all in hip hop.
Find Roman Barks on Facebook & Instagram.
