Crisp acoustic guitar playing leads us into an intimate groove, backed by a light trap rhythm and trembling vocals soaked in desperation. Digital God has built up a uniquely expressive catalogue of original tracks, from which Genetically Modified Monkey marks a fine introduction to the introspective complexities of his style.
On the surface, great production and the clear melodic thread of the voice hold the potential for this to feel like a Rap-Pop crossover – a heartbroken balled with a twist of alternative energy; a song of longing to understand and connect. In reality though, the performance is drenched in genuine emotion, raspy and often dissonant for its fearless commitment to the sensations and thoughts of the song.
As the lyrics pour through, as we switch from impassioned to delicate and back again, and as certain ideas and references repeat and resound, we begin to build a stronger image of the broken protagonist before us. The ache sounds relatable, the hook both quirky and contemplative in a way that’s also quite accessible – these struggles with addiction, these existential thoughts that weigh us down. The concept and voice are memorable, unorthodox and perhaps well-suited to the underground, and yet the project and the fluidity of the melody leans much more notably towards the structure of modern pop.
Given the versatility and identity of the sound – it will be interesting to hear new releases from Digital God.
Find Digital God on X.
