A dynamic hip-hop success with a futuristic electro-pop allure, Cut Scenes is a riveting album from iNL83. Each of its tracks resemble a scene from a film, and thus also an element of one’s life — along with the setting, mood, and overall feeling that accompanies it. From the punchy activeness of “Ad Rock” to the title track’s stylish “cinematic life” recounting, Cut Scenes succeeds with consistently memorable productions and enthralling hip-hop flows.
The opening “Jansen Message” plays like a futuristic battle cry, with shades of Blade Runner. “Get ready for the long haul, this battle might be lifelong,” the titular Jansen proclaims, noting how “violators” have exposed the masses to “lowcore, a substance of scum that causes euphoria in your ears.” This intro kickstarts a cinematic allure, traversing into the hip-hop and electro-pop synergy within “83 Mind State.” “Your ears are getting blessed, I appreciate your payment,” the mellow vocals let out, referencing the power of music to “change the mood like an unexpected kiss.” While the opener plays like an antagonist’s cautioning of music, “83 Mind State” struts a lush hip-hop appeal in embracing the artform. “This Hop” brings forth the robotic cautioning of Jansen, referring to the artist as “the coldest; I’ve once seen him take ten violators by himself.” A compelling hip-hop precision arrives thereafter as buzzing synths persist, interchanging with sporadic robotic spoken-word philosophizing.
Rather than the generally debonair electro-pop futurism of the opening few tracks, “Whip It” and “Ad Rock” comprise a fantastic one-two punch in the more energetic realm. The former dazzles in its squealing synth momentum, as the vocals exude a contagious charisma. “Maybe that explains why I’m threatened by the cops,” they contemplate, inducing replays with the heady lyricism and ample briskness. “Ad Rock” also excels in its sating evolution, from whistling intrigue to a grimy rap delectability with shades of JPEGMAFIA. The playful synth effervescence past the one-minute turn proves especially melodic, as are the momentum-filled doses of lower-pitched vocals and sampling alongside the lively lead.
Highlights continue consistently throughout Cut Scenes. “Everybody get loose,” the sharp vocals unveil on “Rad Racer,” one of the album’s hookiest efforts. “She looks so fine,” the smitten vocals continue as bustling synths and clap-friendly percussion surround, embracing a fun ’80s synth-pop nostalgia with proper doses of hip-hop and funk. The album’s title track is another standout, unleashing a vulnerable ethos in lyrical depictions of fatherless growing-up and the necessity of frugality. “Maybe I’m a headcase, coming at your feet first,” the hip-hop delivery consumes, with the “living out in cut scenes” reference epitomizing the living-in, cinematic nature of the album, which is a thorough overall success from iNL83.
