Review: The Difference Machine’s “Alien Nation and the Black Adolescent”

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Album cover of "Alien Nation and the Black Adolescent" featuring a pensive young Black boy looking up at a UFO connected to Earth by a DNA strand, against a world map backdrop.
“Alien Nation and the Black Adolescent” — The Difference Machine’s latest album cover art.

“The album is a trippy intersection of oppression, sci-fi and lyricism. One of the dopest albums to drop in 2023 featuring collaborations with Allen Thomas and Deacon the Villain of Cunninlynguists”

UGHeat.com


Exploring The Difference Machine’s latest album, “Alien Nation and the Black Adolescent,” reveals a significant evolution in their artistic expression.


This album offers a deep narrative. The lyrics, penned by Day Tripper, delve into the “alienation” of Black youth in America, while caressing his disappointment in humanity in a sonically soothing way. The lyrics take you on a quantum field trip through the past and future, where promised equality and revolution collide. The album gives you an eerie feeling that we are on the verge of a civil war, while simultaneously making you feel okay with it. The song interludes take you deep into some serious topics, which lead to psychedelic soundscapes with the energy of a 70’s Blaxploitation film.

Psychedelic Production:
Dr. Conspiracy’s production blends dark, psychedelic elements with boom bap, creating unique and engaging sonics with hard hitting, crunchy drums. Sound selection is top. Dirty drums and growling bass guitar lead the way, as everything else smoothly blends into the mix. Random psychedelic synthesizers give you the feeling you’re about to be abducted by a 1950’s UFO at any moment.

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The Word:

“Alien Nation and the Black Adolescent” is a thought-provoking, skillfully crafted album that’s an essential listen for those interested in the intersection of art, society, and underground Hip Hop.

HEAT LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥


Credits & Links:

Artist: The Difference Machine
Album: Alien Nation and the Black Adolescent
Release Date: July 18, 2023
Label: FULL PLATE
Featuring: Allen Thomas, Deacon the Villain

Lyrics by Day Tripper
Produced by Dr. Conspiracy
Mixed and Mastered by Threepeeoh
Cover Art by Dr. Conspiracy

Additional lyrics on “Old Men” by Allen Thomas
Additional lyrics on “Paradise” by Deacon the Villain

Keys on “Future See” by Ian Newberry and Day Tripper
Keys on “Nah Son”, “Paradise”, “His County” by Day Tripper

All scratches by Day Tripper

Tracks: Alien Nation (Intro), Problems, His Country, Nah Son (Interlude), Relax, Old Men (feat. Allen Thomas), Future See, Paradise (feat. Deacon The Villain), Equality, Realign (Outro)

Listen here: Bandcamp, YouTube

Social: Instagram, Facebook

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