From the second you hit play, local rap group MAZ Blanko’s “Mongoose” drops you directly into it’s psychedelic-rap hook. The crooning, layered vocals (which are almost reminiscent of something out of a Tame Impala song) quickly drop out, leaving room for a drill/trap-style beat that forms the backbone of the song. “Mongoose” is at once very complex and at the same time very loosely structured – rappers come and go, delivering verses in a wide variety of styles and tones while simultaneously contributing something to the whole. This is a song that rewards extra listens – on second blush, you might notice the subtle basslines that pervade the chorus or another layer of pitch-shifted vocals, all of which seem to be placed delicately and intentionally, even if the effect they produce can be initially a little confusing to the ear. The verses combine more than competent rapping skill with intricate wordplay in such a way that you catch a new pun or metaphor every time through. All in all, this is a well-produced track which will worm its way into your ear and dare you to sing a long.
– Dean Cowles
Full disclosure; the members of MAZ Blanko are also members of the KCOU staff – it just so happens that they’re also some of the best local hip-hop musicians in Columbia, so their inclusion in this week’s adds was a no-brainer.
find out more at http://mazblanko.associates