Read & Listen

M.I.A. - /\/\ /\ Y /\
[N.E.E.T., 2010]

If the roots of music are in the ancient human instints towards noise and reaction to it, then the new M.I.A. album appeals to the primal in us. She grew in agression and “non-music” sounds. Metal-loaded thunder, with music derived from unpleasant at first sight noises.

The opener, The Message, seems to be created based on Fujiya & Miyagi’s “Collarbone” (though officially not stated). On Stepping Up the drills step up, getting the “normal” understanding of music out of your head and tuning you into M.I.A.’s style, with occasional swear words and primeval rhythms. XXXO is already known to those who like M.I.A., it’s one of the most ‘digestible’ and melodically simple songs of the album, also being an official first single. But even its melody is superimposed on the remnants of the savage in us. Other highlights are a reggae-style It Takes A Muscle and Born Free, also known for the video that invaded the internet a while ago. Overall, the album is quite heavy and raw.

/\/\ /\ Y /\ mght not be the most successful M.I.A.’s album, and definitely not the pop one. Probably this was done on purpose, as a statement against the artist’s growing popularity. It’s loud and savage - perfect if you want something to match an aggressive mood.

Read & Listen:
M.I.A. official site
M.I.A. Myspace
Born Free