Darwin Deez - Wonky Beats

Tagline: 'I wouldn't carry Carrie Underwood under a wooden bridge, but I would carry wood for Carrie under certain circumstances'

Quirky is probably the epitethon best describing New York indie pop ensemble Darwin Deez. The band, formed around lead singer Darwin Deez, released their debut last year and managed to capture the hearts of many with their well-balanced mix of humor, irresistible pop songs and just the right amount of eccentricity. That last quality perhaps surfaces best in their live shows, which include hilarious dance aerobic interludes to for instance Beyoncé's 'Single Ladies'. Either way, those who've heard the band's self-titled debut or seen them perform will know that these guys won't be confined to just one style or genre. In that light their new mixtape Wonky Beats shouldn't be too much of a shock. Conceived as a record made of Willy Wonka samples (from the 1971 musical film, not the 2005 remake) had an interesting starting point.

Musically, Wonky Beats lies miles away from songs like 'Radar Dectector' or 'Bad Day'. Being a rap mixtape there's not a whole lot that would lead an untrained listener to Darwin Deez. Expect hip hop beats and lots of samples taking the place of their trademark indie sound. However, for those who listen closely, their typical comedic twists won't be lost - with 'I Don't Like The Look' as a lyrical pinnacle. The Willy Wonka samples fit nicely into the concept, without taking it too far. By doing so they take into account the important rule that dosage is crucial with ideas like these seen as how sounding ridiculous lies right around the corner. Vocally, Deez gives way to an assortment of rappers for the most part of the album, which at times creates the impression that this is rather a side project than a mixtape. Suffice to say that it will put off some fans of their debut. But if you're into the whole nineties-style sample hip hop, if you don't mind when your favorite artists explore new fields or if they just had you at their 'Single Ladies' spark of genius (guilty), then Wonky Beats will surely please you.

Tracklist

1. Intro

2. Where's The Chocolat (ft. Kool AD)

3. Pure Imagination Part 1

4. Pure Imagination Part 2

5. Candyman (ft. Donovan Deez)

6. Charlie (Interlude)

7. Cheer Up Charlie (ft. Xaphoon Jones)

8. I Don (Remix

9. Catastrophe (ft. Dev Hynes)

10. More Important Things (Interlude)

11. I Want To Party 10,000 Tons

12. Outro

13. The City (Remix ft. DJ Hummus)

14. Today Was Dumb (Scary Mansion ft. Darwin Deez)