This is a performance EP by Clockwork Indigo (Flatbush ZOMBIES & The Underachievers) in mid-2014. I’m calling it a performance EP for one reason and one reason only: It was literally made for the Clockwork Indigo European Tour which was earlier this year. A tour I would have loved to attend, but that’s beside the point. This five song project has this very unique sound, I mean I can’t really describe the sound. It’s literally that different, but the one thing I can say is that if you enjoy hearing a variety of sounds and instruments put together to fvck with your subconscious then I suggest you read on and also listen to the project.

1.) Benefit Concert
As soon as this song starts you literally feel like you’re at one of Clockwork Indigo’s performances because of how the instruments and the vibe of the song are very “jumpy” if I may say, I promise it’ll make you feel like jumping up and down. Yes, that’s how much energy you get from this song. Also the song is about having fun at a concert, fun to the point where people are seen taking a variety of drugs, women expressing their appreciation by exposing their breasts, people end up fighting, mosh pits within the crowds etc. (you get the idea). Now I know what you’re thinking “How is taking drugs, women showing their breasts and people fighting fun?” If that is what you’re thinking then I suggest you get your mother’s nipple out your mouth and act like you’re over 18. Drugs, violence and nudity have become a huge part of the world and more especially Hip-Hop.

Now back to the song, the lyrical content is actually quite amazing, more especially because each artist expresses what they enjoy about being on stage and also what they don’t like. Another thing expressed is the amount of drugs the artists themselves consume while having fun on stage and how they enjoy interacting with their fans. Now here’s the hook which describes the violence, nudity and drug usage.

“It aint sinning if you winning
I want anarchy at shows
I want bitches showing titties
I want blood and broken bones
Tripping off that chemical
LSD, you better know
This is just a stepping stone
Mosh pits and heavy smoke”
Now if you in anyway find this offensive, please stop reading and go listen to Drake.
Honestly music like this is not for the weak minded

2.) Butterfly Effect
This was released as the lead single of the EP, a very sweet melodic sound. This is a song about how the five artists appreciate each other as friends and also as musicians, the song describes their bond and how comfortable they are working together (more especially because all of them are from Flatbush, New York) and working with artists from the Beast Coast . The beat was produced by FlatbushZOMBIES rapper/producer Eric “The Architect” Elliot. If you listen carefully to the lyrics you’ll hear how each artists speaks about what they were doing before setting up tour dates: They were sitting as friends getting high, having fun and then they decided to make a project which they would use for their tour. One of the main points discussed is how these artists built their careers while growing up in New York and how now that they have “made it” independently more people are actually listening to Hip-Hop and feeling like they relate. After the fifth verse, a bridge (performed by unknown vocalist) comes up and makes the song sound even more heavenly by blending with the melody of the song. Directly after the bridge she begins to harmonise while an unknown sample speech plays in the background which basically refers to what could possibly happen if more people listened to music like this. The speech goes as follows: “It seems madness to say, the world could become addicted (it’s my belief)” Now, take note of an important fact the “it’s my belief” refers to how regardless of people’s reactions to this song, the group will keep making music like this.

3.) LUAM
Now you might not realise this instantly, but “LUAM” is “MAUL” backwards. This song is about how while having fun at their concerts the artists are approached by fans who really enjoy their music and actually want to hang out with them and live their lifestyle of drugs, money and music. It’s a very “flashy” song and also very descriptive on how Clockwork Indigo doesn’t enjoy some of the unnecessary attention they receive from some fans, fans who feel that because they support the music they deserve favours from the groups’ artists when we all know that’s not how things work (more especially in music). An underlining point within the song is how each artist enjoys having fun at concerts, taking drugs (exactly like in Benefit Concert), chilling with fans, spending the money they make on what they enjoy most and more (love & sex). Once again, music like this is not for the weak minded.

4.) The System
You know the saying “money is the root of all evil”? Of course you do, if you don’t then I have no words for you, but anyway this song basically refers to that very saying. With how money makes the world go ‘round and how without money you are taking advantage of or undermined which is a very fvcked up thing that we’ve been raised to know. Also the song describes the positives of having money and even the negatives. One of the negatives is that when you have money people expect favours from you and expect you to “have their back” where as they aren’t willing to work as hard as you. One of the positives is that once you have money you can do what you want to do in life. An underlining point refers back to the title of the song “The System” which in this case is the government and how they basically control our lives and also no matter how rich you aim to be your government might not let you become wealthy.

5.) XYNO
This would have to be my personal favourite on the EP, it refers to how the artists enjoy making money while doing what they love which is making music and also how they hate that people expect favours (like in The System), but with this song it’s also about how the artists themselves would enjoy to make money. I would continue going on and on about how this song is similar to the system or I could just let you read the first verse of the song (by. Meechy Darko of FlatbushZOMBIES) which is self-explanatory.

“If money be the dream, my nigga stay lucid
If pussy be your hustle, mamie keep that thing juicy
But Vegas was built of the money of losers
For paper I shoot marvellous, Stanley Kubrick
Benjamin Franklin my guardian angel
If I see Jesus I’m taking his halo
So I can pawn it and make a few pesos
He who you starve with, your team will be stable.
Pass me the O.E
Pass me a tab
Pass me a blunt, I won’t pass that shit back
Pass me a gat, and a ski mask
I click-clack, rat-a-tat
Gimme that cash!
Throw Diddy’s check book and I’ll sign autograph
47, mac elevens and there no limit (Body)
This is World War 3 is you ready? (Doubt it!)
My wallet gone buzz, never snoozed up”

I know I’ve said this twice already, but I really don’t want anyone listening to this EP when they’re not ready. MUSIC LIKE THIS IS NOT FOR THE WEAK MINDED!!!!
Please don’t listen to this project if his review hasn’t taught you anything!!!

Gawd has passed his judgement.

Despotic