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Restoring Poetry in Music: Kingdom of Fireflies [2012]

kingdom-of-fireflies

This experimental duo comprised of rapper Raw Poetic (from Panacea) and musical genius P. Fritz finally released their album Kingdom of Fireflies that has been in the work for three years! The follow up to their 2007 album Pyramids in Moscow, Restoring Music in Poetry (aka RPM) has been working hard on their newest project. A bridge between rock, hip hop and trip-hop, Kingdom of Fireflies proves to be RPM’s most genre-bending project ever.

With all of the music handled by guitarist P. Fritz and keyboardist Aaron Gause, the album, sonically, is very, very consistent; all of the sounds lead down one, sole road of an infinitely unique vibe. With the majority of the beats having some super-chill electronic percussion instruments, the album has a very edgy feel. Some tracks, such as “Luba,” “Stath Front,” and “Short Bus” really rely on that synthetic sound to define the music for Raw Poetic to rhyme on, while other tracks like “Catfish Blues” and “Tale Tail Signs” use an undeniably authentic, raw, live sound to craft the ingenious beats. The production on this album is very unique, with notable rock influences, as well as hints of atmospheric-electronica, too. Long-time partner K-Murdock didn’t produce on the album, but did help mix two tracks – “Luba” and “Short Bus.”

Raw Poetic has never been one to shy away from a dope verse, and on the bars on this album are no exception. With a sparkly-clean delivery, Raw Poetic easily flows quickly, yet fluidly, as well as steady and strong from song to song. What’s really enticing about Raw Poetic’s lyricism is the vibe and aura he gives off, both through his voice and his rhymes. Raw Poetic can paint a picture, as well as tell a story better than most emcees today. From political topics to life topics, Raw Poetic covers a variety of subjects on Kingdom of Fireflies. He even sings a little bit, as he usually does, and provides some nice melodies on tracks like “Stath Fout” and “Calypso Nympho.”

RPM has always been a very different set of hip hop artists. Raw Poetic with his crazy syncopation and awesome flow, and P. Fritz with his exotic mind for beats and production, Kingdom of Fireflies turns out to be quite a magnificent album. A harmonious blend of rock, electronica and hip hop, Kingdom of Fireflies features RPM at their most diverse state ever. It is so different and so, so good.

8/10

Tags : K-MurdockPanaceaRaw Poetic
Stone

The author Stone

Stone is a hip-hop enthusiast residing in NJ/PA. As an aspiring hip-hop producer, Stone studies communications and shares his passion for music by letting the world in on the wonderful world of hip-hop.