EP Review: Larkim’s “DND”: Solitude, Life’s Battles, and Everything In Between
Larkim, a superb and raw Afrobeats artist, dropped a work packed with inner introspection and realism.
Year: 2023
Genre: Afrobeats
Run Time: 10 minutes, 17 seconds, 4 Tracks
If there are any raw and honest Afrobeats artists I’ve ever encountered, I believe Larkim would top the list. With a voice that’s both true and traditional, the Afrobeats artist has quickly established himself as a captivating storyteller. From his single “BSC” to his first EP, “Reality Cheque,” in 2021, Larkim has consistently impressed with his courageous vulnerability. Now, his latest EP, “DND,” hints at a new level of artistic maturity.
Shutting off from the outer world and its smothering noise, Larkim went into his “inner chamber” and then came out with a gem. Something, I call “a beauty in-between life’s battles, solitude and everything in-between.”
The aptly titled “Airplane Mode”, serves as the perfect introduction to the EP, establishing the dominant theme of loneliness and solitude. The opening saxophone melancholic phrase, imbued with a sense of longing, sets the tone greatly. Built up on a padded synth, evoking an isolating atmosphere, the music creates a vivid picture of emotional withdrawal: withdrawal from the internet’s smothering noise, and society’s cacophony.
This thematic nuance is further emphasized by the lyrics.
“Airplane mode, I dey for airplane mode…don’t you call my phone. I dey for airplane mode…”
The thematic connection went further into the used instruments' tone colors, which greatly complement each other for such a theme.
“Airplane Mode” comes from a place of solitude and loneliness. In a short interview with Larkim, I asked him what the inspiration behind the track was, and he said;
“Yeah, before I recorded “Airplane Mode," I stayed off the Internet for three months. I was alone. I was off the Internet, and in the studio with my producer, he played a beat and that was how “Airplane Mode” clicked.”
“Airplane Mode” effortlessly blends with the next track, "Nothing,” with the same tempo and theme, which drives a sense of continuity. These two tracks connect and drive the music forward. Although “Airplane Mode” has more textural layers than “Nothing”. “Nothing” stands out with its sparser instrumentation. This stripped-down production effectively reflects the song’s lyrical concept of "nothingness," creating a sense of emotional emptiness.
The last track in the EP, “Time”, is perfect for the outro of the EP. Still based on same thematic structure of the EP, took a slight shift into talking about the societal ills. The track started with a kick, piano, and a pad setting the stage for the vocal entry. The piano chords fits perfectly for this track setting a mood for inner introspection. The most captivating element is the call and response section between Larkim and the male choir, which transcends a catchy melody. This unexpected addition creates a sense of hope that offers a glimmer of light amidst the introspective solitude of the earlier tracks.
Although "Time" breaks away from the direct focus on personal solitude, it thematically connects by exploring how making money illegally can impact one’s inner world and sense of self. This broader perspective adds depth to the EP’s message, demonstrating how our internal struggles and external struggles are inseparable.
The consistent use of the underlying pad in the EP sets a unified tone for the EP, but, there could have been more places for the melancholic saxophone throughout the EP. This instrument could have further deepen the atmosphere set by the pad. The drums snare on “Conscience” is unnecessary loud on the first few bars making the snare sound somewhat dominant overshadowing the vocals.
Overall, the EP has a well-connected tracks, and a well-balanced thematic and instrumentational structure.
“DND” EP is a great work of art and Larkim has once again sets himself as a great musician and story teller.
Rating: 7.5/10
Listen to “DND” on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/1GCeS9Dg8THApGQlBI3vTq?si=RnxtZgkaTP6OmTrDaAGWAQ
Review by Joseph Olatunde
