Review Summary: Pioneering the new wave of barbershop/eclectic trip hop, Lil Cones' Debut hits hard and hits home, setting the foundation for much more to come. Dealing with topics such as religion (THE BIBLE), depression (SADBOYS) and drugs (CONE ACID - Bonus Track), it
When Lil Cones' Debut, Never Mind the Coneheads came out, I wasn't expecting that much of it. It did get a lot of hype and pre-release promotion, but I was afraid I'd be underwhelmed. Suffice to say, my worries were pointless. The moment I heard the first track, I was immersed and utterly captivated.
SIRENS kicks off with an eerie synth layer over a traditional trap beat and experimental vocals, setting a perfect tone for the album. Following that, SHOWERS gives us another experimental background, over which various samples are placed, giving it an unusual yet ambient feel.
This is followed by a short avant-garde transitional piece, THE BIBLE, which leads into the more traditional EIGHT. SADBOYS however returns the album to its alternative feel, being an industrial lo-fi trip-hop ballad and the longest song on the album, clocking in at an impressive 3:00. This is one of the album's highlights, and definitely one of my favourite tracks.
After that emotional ride, we seem to retreat to happier fields with SQUADGOALS, which kicks off with a positive, almost anthemic theme. However, this hides the true nature of the song as an incision into the mind of a depressed 2nd grade special needs kid with deep lyrics such as "I WANT TO DIE", "I WANT TO DIE" and "I WANT TO DIE", working almost as a coda to SADBOYS.
CONELOVE changes the topic and mood yet again, beginning the epic tale of Danny Sosa, comparable to Yes', Jethro Tull's and Genesis' grand suites. This is where their multi-genre influences show, drawing inspiration as much from classic hip hop/pop as it draws from classic progressive rock. Another one of my favourites, and an absolute highlight. Going even more eclectic, BLIZZARDS is an exclusively prog/psych rock track, reminiscent of Camel's Mirage, and the aptly named CONES IN SPACE is a psychedelic and masterful piece of space rock/hip-hop fusion.
The tenth track kicks in with power, bringing us back into a conscious state after drifting off into infinity with CONES IN SPACE. Finishing off the Great Odyssey of Danny Sosa, TAKE IT RIGHT BACK shows us the trademark Lil Cones blend of traditional hip-hop and experimental trance.
Following that, Lil Cones once again return to their roots with BIBBA GANG, an obvious tribute to rap legends Stuart Little and Thicc Bibba. One of the most popular tracks on the album, BIBBA GANG simplifies and tones down the new-age atmosphere while keeping the original and unmistakeable style of Lil Cones, thus creating a more accessible yet still innovative masterpiece.
The next song on the album, ANGST, is another reference to one of their idols, this time borrowing from sadboy legend XXXTENTACONE, making for a dark and moody piece of sadboy crooning.
After the tribute duology, we are returning to by-now-familiar territory with an avant-garde/ambient track. HARRYPOTTER is indescribable in words, so I will not bother. It's a masterpiece. My favourite by far, and a definitive highlight. This leads into the last track of the regular edition. Ending the album on a strong note, WHITE BOYS is a touching confession about identity and racial issues, one which puts their previously mentioned original sound into a more emotional and personal vessel.
A 5/5 album by itself, the deluxe edition introduces us to probably their most avant-garde piece so far, CONE ACID (Bonus Track), which provides insight into the daily life of Plini. Their last highlight, and a must-listen even for a Lil Cones casual fan.
