B.A.X is an upcoming rapper whos been making waves with the success of tracks like “PEOPLE” and “ATTACK”. Recently, he released his most ambitious project yet, CAMP NOMAD, which is available on all major digital streaming platforms. Taking inspiration from various horror films, including Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Childs Play, will B.A.X be able to put together an experience but frightening and true to himself?
Off the rip, it’s essential to discuss the creativity embedded within the EP. The idea behind CAMP NOMAD parallels the model of a traditional horror flick where everything starts out fine, and we slowly start to see things crumble till our characters meet their deathly demise. For B.A.X, this bright opening of deception is the melodic self-titled intro “CAMP NOMAD”. It’s illusive instrumental masterfully eases us into this experience with its glossy coating and warping synths. On top of all the instrumental layering, the smooth vocals of B.A.X will make you feel like cruising down the freeway on a hot summer day. With his simple lyricism, the track is both easy to comprehend but also unwind 0to. On the second half of the cut, the sonic standards remain the same, but the verse from featured artist Yung Nomad is quite off-putting. To be frank, his lyricism feels average even for today’s standards, and his autotuned vocals make him sound like a literal robot. If there was some more compassion in the delivery utilized, this fragment could have been solid, but for what’s given, it feels pretty lackluster. All in all, this is a good start that will only leave you wanting more. On the second song, “Killer,” the project takes a dark turn, which is evident from the chilling chords and dramatic violin pattern. While B.A.X’s scary vocal cadence adds to the overall fear factor, lyricism seems to be yet again an issue as he spits some more nursery rhymes, which only vaguely references the aesthetic he’s going for. After the solid hook from Nomad, the spooky atmosphere has built up significantly with its creped vocals. With this musical murder mystery reaching the height of its suspense, listeners are on the edge of their seat, and with the closing 0intuitive rhyme scheme and well thought out storytelling, the stakes are at an all-time high. Leaving this cut, you would expect the third and final moment to be the ultimate highlight of this horrorcore experience, but instead, “Sun Outside” drops the fear factor in exchange for a cheap resolution. The straightforward narrating is easy to understand, but it’s disappointing to see everything conclude at such a point of dissatisfaction. If there was some more time spent in this universe, we might have had a classic concept record on our hands, but with the poorly thought out piece thrown at us, listeners will be left with a sonically pleasing but narratively clunky journey.
In conclusion, CAMP NOMAD has taught us many things about B.A.X. On one side, he is conceptually gifted with the relatively fresh idea he has brought to the table, but on the other side of things, his artistic arsenal has hardly developed, and it’s clear. Whether it’s his basic rhyme schemes, lifeless vocals, or poor organization of ideas, everything given is quite underwhelming and boring. Going forward, B.A.X still has a lot of upside, so I wouldn’t count him out, I would just hope he can refine these skills and create something more meaningful in the future.
Rating: 2.7/10
Pros:
- Great concept
- Flashes of sonic and vocal greatness
Cons
- Ideas poorly executed
- Lyricism is very watered down/surface level
