Alright, let’s dive into Shùliàng by mgkrp. This 2014 release is one of those albums that kinda sneaks up on you. It’s electronic at its core but dips its toes into hip-hop beats, instrumental vibes, and some abstract weirdness that feels like it shouldn’t work—but somehow does. And yeah, it’s self-released under "Not On Label," which honestly fits the DIY, raw energy of this thing.
The album kicks off with the title track, Shùliàng. Right off the bat, you’re hit with these glitchy, stuttering sounds that feel like your speakers are having a mini freakout. But instead of being annoying, it’s oddly hypnotic. There’s no big drop or flashy hook—it’s more like a slow burn that pulls you in without you even realizing it. I remember this track because it’s got this vibe that feels both futuristic and nostalgic, like an old computer trying to tell you something important but only speaking in static. It’s not perfect, but that’s what makes it stick.
Then there’s Keratin. This one hits different. It starts with this bassline that’s so deep it feels like it’s vibrating in your chest. The beat has this bouncy, almost playful quality to it, but layered over the top are these eerie, atmospheric tones that give it a darker edge. It’s like listening to someone’s messed-up dream where they’re dancing at a club but also kinda haunted. I can’t unhear it—it’s the kind of track that makes you nod your head while wondering if you’re losing your mind a little bit.
What’s wild about Shùliàng is how loose and experimental it feels. You can tell mgkrp wasn’t trying to follow any trends or please anyone. It’s just them throwing ideas at the wall to see what sticks. Sometimes it’s messy, sure, but isn’t that what makes art interesting?
Anyway, here’s the random thought I’ll leave you with: listening to this album feels like scrolling through a stranger’s photo gallery on their phone. You don’t know the context, but each snapshot sparks curiosity. Like…what was mgkrp thinking when they made this? Or maybe they weren’t thinking at all. Maybe that’s the point.
