Genesis Owusu's 'Smiling With No Teeth' - Genesis of A New Funk?
Genesis Owusu's debuting piece 'Smiling with No Teeth' is a satisfying burst of funk. Owusu is joyful through his range in vocal deliveries as he surrounds himself with mostly rhythmic instrumentals.
After an energetic opener in 'Get Your Move On!' and a satisfactory 'The Other Black Dog,' 'Smiling with No Teeth' does reach a somewhat underwhelming point in 'Centrefold', as the choppy vocal melody within the track is slightly obnoxious and hindered Owusu's chorus. However, the album does recover immediately straight after in 'Waitin on Ya.' The love ballad begins with pleasing glimmery chimes, which progressively transitions to a rhythmic bassline and plucks as Owusu croons soothingly. Whatever relationship showcased in 'Waitin on Ya' is soon after thrown out of the window in the humourous breakup anthem 'Don't Need You.' Over a pleasingly funky bassline, percussion and synths, Owusu is funnily dismissive in his tone. Especially within the chorus, as he sings, 'I Don't Need You' to his former love interest. Reasons include 'her ass being stinky' and soothingly exposing her manipulative nature through 'same tricks.'
Following the instrumentally accelerating collaboration with Kirin J Callinan in 'Drown', Genesis Owusu seemingly explores self-conflict in 'Gold Chains'. A slower synth pattern and punchy percussion, later dominated by cacophonic guitar riffs, is pleasing as it furthers the self-conflict theme within 'Gold Chains' lyrics. The chorus, which is delivered pleasantly by Owusu, introduces the Australian's self-conflict as he is internally 'cold', yet on the outside, 'gold', like his chains. As a result, in his verses, the Australian finds himself 'fighting for his existence, playing Russian Roulette with his resistance.'
After its sweet title track, where it seems a tambourine attributed to the instrumental, the album reaches its most thematically intense chapter in 'I Don't See Colour.' Over a choppy vocal melody, seemingly showcasing a struggle to breathe, Owusu describes having a gun pointed to his head due to racial profiling. Owusu is sharp in his flow as he criticises racial profiling, especially of the poor mindset of how one's actions can somehow be a general representation of a race. Owusu's tackling of racism continues in 'Whip Cracker.' Over chime-flavoured synths, minimalistic percussion, and revving riffs, Owusu is more savage in his delivery, as he 'spits upon the grave' of racists.
Before its satisfactory conclusion in 'Bye Bye', Owusu provides a beautiful song of perseverance in 'No Looking Back.' With summery keys, bassline and horns, a positively charming Owusu encourages himself to not look back despite the 'scars on his skin.'
'Smiling with No Teeth' from Genesis Owusu is an impressive debuting piece. Owusu's showcases his vocal deliveries well, with moments of soothing croons, smooth raps, and savage and dismissive tones. Despite a tad amount of hiccups in production, 'Smiling with No Teeth' sonically delivers an entertaining funk with doses of cacophony and sweetness through the employment of riffs, synths, and percussion. The wait is eager to whatever Owusu releases in the future.
After an energetic opener in 'Get Your Move On!' and a satisfactory 'The Other Black Dog,' 'Smiling with No Teeth' does reach a somewhat underwhelming point in 'Centrefold', as the choppy vocal melody within the track is slightly obnoxious and hindered Owusu's chorus. However, the album does recover immediately straight after in 'Waitin on Ya.' The love ballad begins with pleasing glimmery chimes, which progressively transitions to a rhythmic bassline and plucks as Owusu croons soothingly. Whatever relationship showcased in 'Waitin on Ya' is soon after thrown out of the window in the humourous breakup anthem 'Don't Need You.' Over a pleasingly funky bassline, percussion and synths, Owusu is funnily dismissive in his tone. Especially within the chorus, as he sings, 'I Don't Need You' to his former love interest. Reasons include 'her ass being stinky' and soothingly exposing her manipulative nature through 'same tricks.'
Following the instrumentally accelerating collaboration with Kirin J Callinan in 'Drown', Genesis Owusu seemingly explores self-conflict in 'Gold Chains'. A slower synth pattern and punchy percussion, later dominated by cacophonic guitar riffs, is pleasing as it furthers the self-conflict theme within 'Gold Chains' lyrics. The chorus, which is delivered pleasantly by Owusu, introduces the Australian's self-conflict as he is internally 'cold', yet on the outside, 'gold', like his chains. As a result, in his verses, the Australian finds himself 'fighting for his existence, playing Russian Roulette with his resistance.'
After its sweet title track, where it seems a tambourine attributed to the instrumental, the album reaches its most thematically intense chapter in 'I Don't See Colour.' Over a choppy vocal melody, seemingly showcasing a struggle to breathe, Owusu describes having a gun pointed to his head due to racial profiling. Owusu is sharp in his flow as he criticises racial profiling, especially of the poor mindset of how one's actions can somehow be a general representation of a race. Owusu's tackling of racism continues in 'Whip Cracker.' Over chime-flavoured synths, minimalistic percussion, and revving riffs, Owusu is more savage in his delivery, as he 'spits upon the grave' of racists.
Before its satisfactory conclusion in 'Bye Bye', Owusu provides a beautiful song of perseverance in 'No Looking Back.' With summery keys, bassline and horns, a positively charming Owusu encourages himself to not look back despite the 'scars on his skin.'
'Smiling with No Teeth' from Genesis Owusu is an impressive debuting piece. Owusu's showcases his vocal deliveries well, with moments of soothing croons, smooth raps, and savage and dismissive tones. Despite a tad amount of hiccups in production, 'Smiling with No Teeth' sonically delivers an entertaining funk with doses of cacophony and sweetness through the employment of riffs, synths, and percussion. The wait is eager to whatever Owusu releases in the future.
7/10
Best Tracks: I Don't Need You, Gold Chains.
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