Lip Critic New Album – Hex Dealer

In the vibrant and audacious music video for their track "In the Wawa (Convinced I Am God)," Lip Critic, a dynamic quartet hailing from New York, ingeniously portray greedy music label executives hot on their trail, only to discover that the band, played by themselves, has snatched their own masters. What ensues is a fiery spectacle as Lip Critic defiantly incinerates their CDs with blowtorches, reducing them to molten remnants of plastic. This visually striking narrative encapsulates the essence of the band's creative ethos—a relentless pursuit of innovation akin to the mythical hydra, where cutting off one influence only serves to sprout new, experimental tendrils.

Their debut album, "Hex Dealer," serves as a sonic manifesto, where Lip Critic fearlessly throws a kaleidoscope of genres at listeners, from dance punk to digital hardcore, daring them to keep pace with its frenetic energy. Clocking in at just over 30 minutes, this album is not for the faint of heart; it's a whirlwind journey of endurance and pure adrenaline, where the chaos of "Hex Dealer" transforms into an exhilarating auditory experience.

The genesis of Lip Critic traces back to their time at SUNY Purchase in 2018, a breeding ground for artistic talent that counts luminaries like Mitski among its alumni. Yet, Lip Critic's abrasive sound often clashed with the prevailing indie rock sensibilities of their peers, with frontman Bret Kaser recalling how their noisy rehearsals stirred complaints across campus. Drawing inspiration from the raw, unbridled performances of Death Grips and the raucous thematic explorations of fellow Brooklynites Model/Actriz, Lip Critic carved out their own sonic niche, characterized by uncompromising intensity and provocative storytelling.

"Hex Dealer" unfurls as a loose concept album, delving into the murky depths of predatory figures who peddle illusions of control through deceitful tactics. In this twisted realm, power is currency, and every facet of existence is commodified to satiate insatiable desires. From the consumerist frenzy depicted in "It's the Magic" to the grotesque indulgence of "Bork Pelly," Lip Critic crafts a vivid tableau of moral decay and existential disillusionment.

The album's sonic palette is as eclectic as its thematic scope, seamlessly traversing genres from drum'n'bass to hip-hop with an audaciousness that demands attention. Each track on "Hex Dealer" feels like a litmus test, challenging listeners to embrace the band's unapologetic authenticity or risk missing out on a transformative musical experience.

Lip Critic Album Review

Amidst the cacophony, moments of levity emerge, infusing the album with a darkly humorous charm. Collaborating with the now-disbanded Philly grime duo Ghösh on "Bork Pelly," Lip Critic delivers a tongue-in-cheek sermon reminiscent of something straight out of "The Righteous Gemstones," blending satire with infectious grooves.

As "Hex Dealer" reaches its conclusion, there's a sense of defiant resignation, a recognition that embracing one's flaws may be the ultimate act of rebellion. Through the cacophony and chaos, Lip Critic invites listeners to revel in the messiness of existence, transforming adversity into a defiant celebration of life's absurdities.

Like a modern-day Frankenstein's monster, "Hex Dealer" is a patchwork of influences and ideas, stitched together with reckless abandon. Yet, in the hands of Lip Critic, this monstrous creation becomes a thing of beauty—a testament to the transformative power of music and the irrepressible spirit of artistic expression. Even in the midst of chaos, Lip Critic turns turmoil into triumph, proving that sometimes, the greatest parties arise from the ashes of destruction.

Read More On The Intelligence