An album you HAVE TO listen to.... as simple as that.
Massive Cranes © 2024
In a world often fragmented by divisions of any kind, Massive Cranes the project between Adam Ostrowski, Dan Thurlow, and Helen Fisher, emerges as a testament to the unyielding power of friendship, resilience, and artistic exploration and a bunch of kick-ass music (to be honest). This musical trio transcends mere collaboration, weaving together their individual stories of struggle and triumph into a tapestry of sound that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.
The result is "Monuments," their debut album, released on March 1st, 2024, marking the culmination of their collective journey, one that begin with a big album.
From the haunting introspection of "The Beginning" to the defiant energy of "Shut Your Mouth," each track on "Monuments" offers a glimpse into the human experience, unfiltered and unabashed.
Themes of resilience, redemption, and the indomitable spirit of the human soul reverberate throughout the album, echoing the personal struggles and triumphs of its creators.
Track By Track Review
"The Beginning" sets the stage for Massive Cranes' s sonic journey with an eclectic blend of trap drum beats and the ethereal ambiance of synthwave, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era while firmly rooted in the contemporary. As the track unfolds, listeners are enveloped in a rich tapestry of sound that seamlessly merges retro aesthetics with modern sensibilities.
The juxtaposition of familiar elements—trap drums beats—with the airy, almost surreal quality of synthwave creates a sonic landscape that is at once familiar and otherworldly. It's a musical paradox, drawing listeners in with its infectious rhythm while simultaneously transporting them to a realm of introspection and contemplation.
Lyrically, "The Beginning" is a reflection on the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of diversity, shared experiences, and the weight of unspoken emotions. Lines like "Different dinners / Same plates" and "We shoulder the weight / The scars / The chipped vase" paint a vivid picture of the myriad struggles and triumphs that define our interpersonal connections.
The track's refrain, "No guest verses / Ego protected," serves as both a declaration of artistic independence and a reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of external pressures. It's a statement of intent, signaling Massive Cranes' commitment to authenticity and creative integrity.
As the song unfolds, layers of meaning reveal themselves, each verse offering a glimpse into the complexities of the human experience. From the mundane details of everyday life—the "black filter in a china cup" and the "little stick on the saucer"—to the existential ponderings on the nature of existence and our place in the universe, "The Beginning" is a masterclass in lyrical storytelling.
Musically, the track is a tour de force, with each element carefully crafted to create a sense of depth and texture. The trap drum beats provide a solid foundation, driving the rhythm forward with relentless energy, while the airy synth melodies float effortlessly above, adding a sense of lightness and fluidity to the proceedings.
"Monsters" is a sonic powerhouse that blends powerful 808s, realistic bass lines, and haunting synths with poignant rap verses, creating an electrifying and thought-provoking musical experience. The track delves into themes of insomnia, existential dread, and the pursuit of authenticity in a world filled with distractions and falsehoods.
From the outset, the track grabs listeners by the throat with its thunderous 808 bass, setting a pulsating rhythm that drives the song forward with relentless energy. The bass line is both hypnotic and menacing, evoking a sense of unease and urgency that underscores the lyrical content.
As the beat builds, the synths come into play, adding layers of texture and atmosphere to the track. The synths have an almost cinematic quality to them, creating a sense of tension and drama that perfectly complements the raw emotion of the rap verses.
Speaking of which, the rap lines in "Monsters" are delivered with a raw intensity that cuts straight to the heart of the matter. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggles of the modern world, from the insomnia-inducing fear of the unknown to the soul-crushing monotony of everyday life. Lines like "I like to keep the lights on / So I can see the monsters feet" and "What the fuck am I doing / On the railroad to ruin" resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt lost or adrift in a sea of uncertainty.
But amidst the darkness, there are moments of clarity and introspection. The rap verses touch on themes of self-discovery and personal growth, as the narrator reflects on their battle with illness and the realization that what truly matters in life is not material wealth or social status, but rather the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment.
Musically, "Monsters" has each element carefully orchestrated to create a sense of tension and release. The piano melodies add a touch of melancholy to the track, while the rap verses provide a sense of urgency and immediacy that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
"The Heartbeats" is a mesmerizing exploration of the primal rhythm that courses through our veins—the steady, relentless cadence of the human heart. Through a hypnotic repetition of the phrase "The heartbeats," the song envelops listeners in a trance-like state, inviting them to delve deep into the visceral experience of their own existence.
As the lyrics unfold, the imagery becomes increasingly vivid, painting a picture of the body as an intricate symphony of blood, sinew, and muscle. The percussion of the heart is likened to the beating of drums, with each thud echoing through the chambers of the body like a pulse of life itself.
But beneath the surface, there lies a sense of longing and loss. Lines like "The hollow chambers / I deeply miss you" evoke a sense of yearning for connection and intimacy, a longing to bridge the divide between oneself and the world around them.
Yet, amidst the melancholy, there is also a sense of unity and solidarity. The narrator acknowledges the shared experience of pain and loss, offering comfort to those who have felt the sting of grief or the weight of despair. "Anyone that’s lost / Or lost everything / I am with you," they declare, forging a bond of empathy and understanding that transcends the boundaries of individual experience.
"Ulcerated Wounds" by Massive Cranes is a fast-paced hip-hop trap anthem that pulses with energy and emotion, set against a backdrop of subtle strings and pizzicatos that add depth and texture to the track. With its poignant lyrics and infectious beat, the song captures the raw intensity of human emotion and the enduring power of connection in the face of adversity.
As the track unfolds, the listener is transported to a world where rainbow flags flutter in the windows of flats, serving as a poignant reminder of the collective solidarity and resilience displayed during challenging times. The imagery of banging pots and pans, clapping on balconies, and wasting afternoons together paints a vivid picture of shared experiences and lost moments.
Yet, amidst the nostalgia and longing, there is a sense of acceptance and acknowledgment of the pain that accompanies loss. Lines like "I missed you constantly / Ulcerated wounds" speak to the lingering ache of absence, the presence of the departed felt keenly in the spaces they once occupied.
The metaphor of a Rothko painting, with its deep, consuming reds that seem to suck the light from the room, further underscores the visceral nature of grief and longing. The narrator grapples with the idea that, despite the passage of time, the pain of loss remains ever-present, a constant companion in their daily existence.
"Monuments" by Massive Cranes is a captivating blend of ambient 808 beats, head-nodding rhythms, and ethereal piano lines, featuring a mesmerizing performance by a female vocalist. The song envelops listeners in a dream-like atmosphere, inviting them to immerse themselves in its rich sonic tapestry.
The repeated refrain of "Building monuments" serves as a powerful mantra, a reminder of the enduring nature of human endeavor and the legacy we leave behind. Against a backdrop of swirling synths and subtle electronic textures, the lyrics explore themes of change, resilience, and the passage of time.
As the song unfolds, the vocalist's haunting melodies soar above the intricate instrumentation, her voice imbued with a sense of longing and vulnerability.
Lines like "Circular motions / Notions of hostility" and "The art is in the aftermath / The cover up / The other stuffs" paint a vivid picture of the complexities of human existence, the highs and lows of our shared journey through life.
Musically, "Monuments" is a masterclass in atmospheric production, with its evocative piano lines and ambient 808 beats creating a sense of depth and texture that draws listeners in. The song's hypnotic rhythms and subtle melodies are designed to transport listeners to another almost "ancient" world, where time seems to stand still and every note reverberates with meaning.
"Elephants" is a reflective journey through memories and the passage of time, set against a backdrop of mellow instrumentation and introspective lyricism. The song unfolds like a stream of consciousness, with the narrator grappling with the complexities of life and the elusive nature of memory.
The recurring motif of "Elephants in the room" serves as a metaphor for the things left unsaid and the secrets hidden beneath the surface of everyday life.
The narrator reflects on the way memories can distort reality, playing tricks on the mind and obscuring the truth.
As the song progresses, the lyrics delve into themes of acceptance and contentment, with the narrator finding solace in the simple pleasures of life.
From sipping coffee by the river to cherishing ancient artifacts, every moment is imbued with meaning and significance.
Musically, "Elephants" is a laid-back affair, with its gentle strings strums and soothing melodies creating a sense of tranquility and introspection and Massive Attack's ish bass-lines. Etheral strings and eastern resonances. The song's sparse instrumentation allows the lyrics to take center stage, giving the listener space to reflect on the deeper meanings behind the words.
"Joker" is an explosive blend of instrumental hip-hop, R&B, and classic hip-hop, featuring bass lines that pulse with enough energy to make your car explode. With its infectious rhythm and dynamic instrumentation, the song grabs listeners from the get-go and doesn't let go until the very end.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of urban life, with references to iconic scenes and characters that evoke a sense of nostalgia and grit. Lines like "The Joker dancing on the stairs / The soundtrack / Gary Glitter" capture the chaotic energy of city streets, where the line between art and controversy is often blurred.
As the song unfolds, the narrator reflects on the allure of a good scene, the kind of moment that stops people in their tracks and demands attention.
Whether it's the sight of a Joker dancing on the stairs or the chaos of a pyrotechnic-laden spectacle, there's an undeniable magnetism to these moments that draws us in and leaves us breathless.
Musically, "Joker" is a R&B - Hip Hop masterpiece, with its driving bass lines, soulful melodies, and intricate rhythms creating a sense of urgency and excitement. The song's instrumental breaks allow each element to shine, from the pulsating bass to the smooth guitar riffs and jazzy piano and synth chords.
Same can be told about "Little Bits" a wonderful of exploration of ambience R&B and Hip Hop and a bass line so deep it digs deep into your heart and soul.
Little Bits is a heartfelt exploration of finding home and belonging in the midst of life's challenges and changes. The song speaks to the desire to establish roots, to create a sense of stability and permanence in a world that often feels fleeting and uncertain.
The repeated refrain of "Let's put down roots / The place for us / Feel brand new / Mountains in the dust" captures the essence of the song's message, conveying a sense of renewal and transformation that comes from finding a place to call home. Whether it's in the mountains or amidst the rust, there's a sense of beauty and possibility in the act of settling down and building a life together.
Throughout the song, there's a juxtaposition between the external forces of nature—the wind, the dust, the crashing sea—and the internal struggles and triumphs of the human experience. Lines like "Outside / While the wind's high / We stay indoors / And we playfight" paint a picture of the push and pull of life, the tension between seeking shelter from the storm and embracing the wildness of the world outside.
Musically, "Little Bits" is a tender ballad, with its gentle piano melodies and soothing vocals creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
"Shut Your Mouth" is a funky, urban anthem with viral potential, driven by a groovy bass Moog line that demands attention. Mixing elements of R&B, classic hip hop, and G-funk, the song delivers a powerful message wrapped in infectious beats and catchy hooks.
The repeated refrain of "Shut your mouth / Why don’t you shut your mouth / Just shut your mouth" serves as both a command and a plea, echoing the frustration and exasperation of the narrator in the face of overwhelming noise and negativity.
As the song unfolds, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of inner turmoil and external pressure, with references to devils on all sides and the weight of expectations bearing down. Lines like "Stereotypes / Types for a reason / Can’t expect the same behavior to end with something different" delve into the complexities of societal norms and the struggle to break free from preconceived notions.
Musically, "Shut Your Mouth" is a hit, its infectious bass line and funky rhythms driving the song forward with irresistible energy. The Moog synthesizer adds a touch of retro flair, while the smooth vocals glide effortlessly over the pulsating beats.
"At Sea" the last, is one of those tracks that you really have to experience for yourself. It's a profound exploration of solitude, reflection, and the vastness of the ocean, but I won't spoil it for you.
Trust me, listening to the entire album, "Monuments," is an immersive journey that you won't want to miss. So, make sure to give it a listen and let the music speak for itself!
Don't Forget To Follow Massive Cranes On Instagram And Listen To "Monuments"
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