Las Vegas-based rapper Ekoh has recently taken advantage of the bridge between hip-hop and alternative rock. The independent rapper has been turning heads with heavy 808s and hard-hitting rhymes, like his 2020 track, “Real Bad.” Well placed wordplay and catchy hooks always set Ekoh apart from the rest of the underground hip-hop scene — until he released “FENTANYL,” his first alternative rock track, filled to the brim with personal experience and meaning. Making the transition from heavy-hitting ’80s kits to a more chill alternative atmosphere can’t always be easy, but he proved he can do it with his second alt-rock release. Taking a plunge into the deep-end, Ekoh pours his all into “21ST CENTURY MELTDOWN,” and the result is impeccable.
As a fully independent musician, it’s no doubt things have been tough recently. Accompanied by guitar chords that fit this past year, Ekoh relates to fans using his own 21st-century meltdown. A slightly subtle drum rhythm and emotional strum pattern add up to create an earworm that most people can relate to. The track is meaningful enough to stick around for, and catchy enough to play on repeat. The atmosphere of the backing track almost seems exhausted in a way, pushing across the message of “I’m tired.” A slow rhythm adds to the choice of chords to give off a slightly lonely, burned-out vibe. All in all, “21ST CENTURY MELTDOWN” really feels like a 21st century meltdown to the listener, and we hope Ekoh’s alt-rock style is here to stay.
Listen on: Apple Music | Spotify
Connect with Ekoh: Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram | Facebook
