Desdamona has pulled out the stops for her new release, No Man’s Land. Featuring such esteemed local musicians such as Lioness, Tish Jones, Thomasina Petrus, Ellis Delaney, BDotCroc, Lydia Liza & PaviElle French and co-produced by Big Jess this new album packs a punch.
The CD packaging is very cool, with its embossed cover and minimal ink coverage. When you open the fold-out poster, you get a full-color piece of art which on the back has a collection of nursery rhymes matched with individual art illustrated by local artist Angel Hawari.
The first song, which is the second track after a radio style intro is called “It Don’t Stop” This song sets a strong tone, for the first few tracks with some pretty heavy and aggressive rapping. “The Come Back” is catchy and “Year of The Cat” roars with some great samples and amazing lyrics.
On “Grey City” she comes back more to her spoken word roots, with more a sparse musical backdrop. If you’re a fan of her first album The Ledge, this will bring you back a bit.
“Teacher’s Pet” is one my favorite tracks, it’s a little weird and funny and stands out as something a bit different from the rest of the songs.
There is a feminist slant to this recording, the title No Man’s Land makes it pretty clear. I don’t usually review or comment on political issues, but I think we all need to stand back and realize that especially me as a white male and the fact that I got a head start. Whether it be music, sports, the right to vote and hold office, women have to play catch-up.
As a father of two daughters, I want them to have the same opportunities as everyone else. I see progress, but then I see other crazy shit happening that sets back the clock a few years. One step forward, five steps back.
With Desdamona, it’s great to see her push empowerment and keep putting out great music. I am not a hip-hop expert by no means, but I know when I listen to her music, it keeps me interested and emotionally connected. Her first album The Ledge is one of my favorite albums. If I can give a little criticism on this new album is that it isn’t as raw as The Ledge.
That, however, is my issue as I tend to enjoy the debut albums of artists, and sometimes I hate to see them grow up and make changes. I am nostalgic and closed minded that way.
Desdamona deserves props for pushing the boundaries and being one of the groundbreakers for female hip-hop artists in the Twin Cities. I think all of us who have paid attention, don’t feel she gets the full accolades she deserves. She deserves your attention, pick up this album, then buy The Ledge and then fill it in with the ones in between.
Desdamona Siren Sound and CD release Show.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/desdamona-presents-no-man-s-land#/
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