Mono/Poly - Cryptic

Mono/Poly
Cryptic
2016
Mono/Poly - Cryptic

Mono/Poly pronounced monopoly is the brainchild of LA based beatmaker Charles Dickerson who is hell bent on bringing hip hop beats into the future with his dramatic rhythms. The idea of this album is creating a scene where electronic and hip hop can exist in the same world and even build off each other, not in the way of making club bangers but more in the genre of that festival pleasing music. Mono/Poly balance the avante-garde and keeping it real to create a really interesting interplay between the two genres which at times seem at odds. In His music you can hear the multitude of influences coming together and making something great. Often when listening to beats you are hearing the structure of a song, but never a completed thought, the words always feel missing and necessary but with Mono/Poly you never get that sense. These tracks could very well be used as the back bones of songs but songs like "The Fuckin Real" are so complete on their own that toadd something would seem like lunacy. With that thought in mind you get what Mono/Poly is trying to do here, He is building a bridge between genres that is not just a path for others to follow, but one He hopes people will understand in and of itself.

The album is short at only 27 minutes which is the norm for a group of only nine beats, but it leaves a lasting impression. There are notes of 70s bass lines and outer space synths all coming together in a classic yet wholly new way. "Nocrune" is probably the best example of this just continuing to provide minute after minute of highly infectious rhythms. Within the song, the singer comments "Cause all we are is energy" which gives it all the more sense of purpose. Maybe the worst part of this record is that there just is not enough. You are left begging for something more but it just never comes as perhaps Mono/Poly is leaving that space for you to leave your impression a mark we can all make on the music rather than just passively listening and watching it go by. A real solid group of songs that will leave you wanting more take Cryptic for a spin and see what you think.

7.9 out of 10