It's not far from the truth when the RnB alias Deem Marley has christened his latest EP as "Marley Maverick"— he has indeed taken a non-conformist position for this EP, disclosing his inner turmoil in blunt lyrics while trying out other styles, hesitant in being stuck in a comfort zone. Throughout four tracks, the indie act switches from serving fluent bars to soulful renditions, augmented by a creative production duty.
Over the last few years, the American artist has honed his art diligently; in his debut "The Realest," a synergy with Afdread Briz and Tahaj Maleek, the stomping 808s lay out a sturdy groove over slick percussions and droning synths— the performances effortlessly keep up, it's a bop dedicated to the 'hood' with its ambitiousness, a robust debut overall. The single "Back in The Day" earned him over a thousand plays, equipped with soulful keys going in and out and punctuated with kickdrums and firing hats with the rapper delivering a snappy rendition born out of frustration from being undermined in a relationship. As of this year, "Crooked" lashes out with smashing off-beat drums and unyielding performance.
For his first EP, Deem channeled his inspiration from going through inner challenges like depression, which manifests in a certain moody and darker ambiance in the compilation; "Rookie" offers a top-notch introduction, a streamlined, undulating low-end and grabby brass melodies teaming up alongside doo-wop vocal melodies, supplied with crisp drums. The performer is cynical, professing he has nothing to lose. Towards the last minute, he takes a hopeful and idealistic stance alongside the gradual, soulful arrangements. "Like Mike" enters with high-pitched strings and a dose of atmospheric synths, and Deem airs out his confusion in navigating through a relentless life; something that also comes up in "Wishful Thinking" hosting a minimal sound design adorned by a pizzicato melody (including a vocal shout looping over), unraveling the tragedies and desperation faced by him.
Fifty percent through the EP, it becomes more romantic with the sultry "The Boo" and "The Boo P2': the said moniker balances between fast rap sequences over Jersey beat drums, and playful singing. In the second part, a knocking groove takes precedence with shimmery Rhodes. Switching styles again for the finale, "It's Yours" (with Leuca and Lippy Lindo) is a take-it-easy, romantic Afro-fusion RnB ballad with harmonic, lush vocals from the involved acts.
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