Spoek Mathambo “Father Creeper” review

I want to like Spoek Mathambo’s latest album, I really do. Upon watching the Father Creeper Album Trailer I conceptually really like where he is taking his music. I also liked his last album in a “damn this is good and should be good as his music matures more” kinda way. It’s obvious that Spoek was trying to push in more directions musically which is good as the last was rather one jarring electro rap note (a good jarring electro rap note but still). However, the new album never gels nor rises above meh. I’ve listened to the album 2-3 times now and while there are a couple tracks that stand out for the most part it’s a muddy mess of sounds that never finds it’s groove. Also there is too much emo-ish indie guitar which frankly doesn’t work with Spoek’s monotone singing style.

As I like to do sometimes, I took a gander at various site reviews for the album and most seemed to give it a decent review though I sensed that most of them gave the album a point or two because they wanted to like it. Pitchfork, which I don’t always agree with gave one of the more honest reviews which I feel is frankly pretty spot on (Pitchfork Review of Father Creeper).