Album Review: “Dark Nights of the Soul” by Ultra_eko

London based Hip-hop, classically bent, lyricist Ultra_eko delivers tortured pleas to the great unknown with his soon to be released “Dark Nights of the Soul” album. The lyricism, as always, is stellar from Ultra_eko, and the journey feels unusually personal, even unflinchingly.

Stunningly gorgeous production incorporates a neat mixture of styles, ranging from boom bap to trap to even ambient moments. By layering, the sound revolves around giving the songs a dizzying effect. His flow is restrained but increasingly frustrated, and the bars constantly cascade, with the exquisite level of detail becoming almost overwhelming.

The sampled classical bits suggest the soundtrack work of Max Richter. Full of that same level of tension, the evolution of the sound hints at a larger world outside of the mind, feeling crushed in a particular light. Some of the more unusual grooves laid down take nods from the unique rhythms of Brainfeeder Records, Flying Lotus’s home. Ultra_eko brings the sampled and the electronic elements together to give the songs theatrical flair. With the more confessional moments, how he tries to reflect upon his life gives nods to Tyler, the Creator’s recent contemplative work. For all these aspects, Ultra_eko presents a world distinctive, even stately.

A stark opener, “Don’t Miss,” sets the tone for the rest of what follows. “Tricks of the Light” hits hard with a muscular approach that reflects upon the classical underpinnings of the atmosphere, almost Gothic even. Echoed violins lend “Unsaid” a distinctive elegance. Snares and wormy basslines define the eerie spirit of “Herbal Warfare”, with DaRealMrLee. Mournful violin adorns and highlights the pain felt in “Blasphemy” as Ultra_eko tries to untangle the world’s motivations.

The eerie churn of “Conquered”, again featuring DaRealMrLee, has a toybox melody gone mad. “Lullaby” has a cyclical, mystical quality, and the vocal treatment adds to the disorientation. Near silence comes to the fray on the incredibly intimate “ABC”. Moments of clarity come through with the somber “Desperate Times.” Ending things on a powerful note is the glimmers of “Dark Night.”

The soon to be released “Dark Nights of the Soul” album reveals an exquisite beauty. Ultra_eko leaves things unrushed, allowing the storytelling's emotional heft to take deep root in the mind.

Be on the lookout for this incredible album when it drops.