I wanted to post to this topic to start a conversation around the actual work of M.I.A.
The material I've heard so far from Raph is really impressive and quite diverse under the project name. Just to go through a couple to get started, "Mutants" is really interesting - has whispered lyrics, heavy bass, destructive feedback but each track has a different take on those elements. Beautiful lyrics (featured on the CD) and piano on "Wrinkles". I find the bass tones similar to R.A by B.U, specifically on "Reason For Insanity". Interesting samples as well like on track 2, classic punk sample (happy to find Neons Publishing mixtapes that feature rap/hip hop and classic punk)
The "I Love You" tape features other versions of same bass and feedback, really interesting electronic bass sounds on the track "I Will Kill You". That tape also has a similar ambient-ish track to "Wrinkles", if that's even the right word: "the exapnding void".
Aesthetically speaking, he can have perverse imagery, softer track names or aesthetic but also harsh imagery like on "White Devil", "Scum" or "There's A Market For Everything". But none of it feels out of place, each new noise or PE style feels like it should be there. Maybe that doesn't make much sense, but in conclusion, everything from him has had a confidence and authenticity to it. Every branch of the tree grows leaves.
Not to mention that he's done some splits like the two with B.U as well as the one with Vancouver's Mass Marriage (Heavily recommend mass marriage).
There's a lot of nuance and diversity with M.I.A yet still feels like he's pulling from classics and personal tastes. Not to say, nuance or diversity is everything or the opposite is negative in any capacity but it is always interesting to see someone do it so well! The undercurrent of sadness is in each project, complexity of sex and love is personally what I see and hear when I put on M.I.A. Great stuff!
