Spoek Mathambo

As musical statements go, sophomore set Father Creeper, from Johannesburg-based future shocker Spoek Mathambo, is a multidimensional audio explosion of higher level ideas laid out exactingly over every available second of the record's 50-minute running time. A dazzling spectrum of synthesized sounds pop, swirl and moan (depending on their application) around an equally expansive range of percussive tones and tempos, ranging from the live backbeat and frenetic clip of opening salvo "Kites" to the juxtaposed digi-drums, handclaps and finger snaps running through "Dog To Bone." Slick guitar work plays prominently in the album's early stylistic inflections and divergences, dancing nimbly behind the busy "Venison Fingers" and anchoring the indie rock feel of the album's anthemic gateway cut, "Let Them Talk," before giving way to the disc's more electronically directed second half. Above it all, Spoek shows himself to be a masterful MC, varying his expressive, message-rich raps and workingman vocals through songs about 9-to-5 rejection, conflict diamonds, gossipy others and finding a final resting place. Challenging, intensely creative and at many moments danceable, Father Creeper is an impactful offering from a quick-bubbling artist clearly ready to boil over.