Lux Thugs leads with a refreshing soundscape and a mellow yet intentional pace on this latest single. TKM presents an immediately impressive balance between intensity and calm. A dramatic beat keeps a mellow rhythm, distant, gentle synths light up the outer edges, and meanwhile – this rap delivery, this lyricism, offers a quickly interesting sense of character, and a story-line that’s genuinely refreshing.
Lux Thugs captivates right the way through. He does so without volume or gimmicks, just with the strength of his own bars and the unique quality of his voice. The track emerges with weight and originality, but still it provides this easy going groove that feels unexpectedly uplifting and even motivational.
Structurally speaking, the back and forth between the verses and the hook works perfectly. Nothing goes on longer than it should, and the contrast between the two vocal parts hits well when creating dynamic and making sure to hold tight to your attention. All the while, as this lyricism pours through and compels you, the music offers an entrancing hit of escapism. It’s a beautiful soundscape, genuinely refreshing for its unique nature and the fact that it feels far more trip-hop and alternative than anything contemporary hip hop tends to offer.
You get a sense that Lux Thugs follows his own rules entirely, but does so with skill and consideration. These bars are thoughtful, clever, honest and reflective – the music meets the needs of this conceptual depth brilliantly. TKM is a superb track, an easy personal highlight for 2019, and a strong introduction to the artist and producer that is Lux Thugs.
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