Earl Sweatshirt may be considered the quintessential art-pop artist of contemporary times, his distinctive sound characterized by intricate wordplay, unique quirks, and a yearning for expression that shifts from ambiguity to clarity. A recent tweet that went viral suggested that Earl and his frequent collaborator the Alchemist have essentially produced the same album repeatedly for over ten years. First, what’s wrong with that? It’s known as consistency! Secondly, examining his work for more than 30 seconds reveals various thoroughfares, one-way streets, and seldom-visited paths; he is consistently different yet consistently the same.
‘Live Laugh Love’ marks Earl’s first full-length release in three years, following his 2022 album ‘Sick!’. If the title appears ironic, don't be deceived—this album candidly explores themes of fatherhood and family life. Comprising a concise 11 tracks and 24 minutes of music, the sound palette features hazy samples from 70s soul, filtered through a complex array of studio effects. At times, the rich sonics evoke Bristol trip-hop, particularly on the languid machine funk track ‘TOURMALINE’, drawing a parallel to FATHER’s recent excellent album ‘Patricide’.
‘gsw vs sac’ begins with synth bleeps before evolving into a dense mix of interwoven samples. A skit-like interlude asks, “Who are you running from? Yourself?” using therapy jargon in a humorously surreal manner. ‘FORGE’ incorporates Eastern elements in its sound, while its laid-back rhythm allows Earl to pack in—indeed, overload—his rhymes, showcasing both intricate and sharp wordplay.
‘Gamma (need the <3)’ brings in some light, with Earl striving for a more direct approach. The jazzy elements in ‘WELL DONE!’ are expertly executed, and the cinematic funk of ‘Live’ recalls the production style of Portishead’s ‘Third’.
An album rich in detail, ‘Live Laugh Love’ makes full use of every available space. The lyrics are densely packed, layered with samples and sonic flourishes. ‘Static’ stands out as a significant track, while the disorienting ‘CRISCO’ offers an intensely immersive listening experience.
This record is both unique and diverse; each piece is carefully crafted and connects to the next, yet ‘Live Laugh Love’ still guides you along a meandering journey. ‘Heavy Metal aka ejecto seato!’ references a dream Earl had in 2016, delving into his solo narrative, while the closing track ‘exhaust’ offers a sense of resolution in an indirect yet soulful manner.
As always with Earl Sweatshirt, things aren’t always what they seem, but he provides ample information for you to fill in the gaps. ‘Live Laugh Live’ resembles a rap Escher diagram or a Greek labyrinth with the MC as the Minotaur, expanding Earl’s universe and inviting you to move forward with each step.
8/10
Words: Robin Murray
Possibly the quintessential art-pop artist of contemporary times, Earl Sweatshirt's distinctive sound is characterized by intricate wordplay, distinctive quirks, and a
