Ultra_eko serves up dark Kitchen Sink Dramas in his latest EP — premiering exclusively on Tinnitist.
Featuring six tracks of haunting imagery and narratives, the South London hip-hop artist’s new release is a compelling journey to the underside of pop, with tales of poetic lyricism and depth played out against a lush, sweetly melodic flow.
“I like to think of the six tracks on this EP as six short stories — twisted tales from the darker side of life,” Ultra_eko explains. “They cover a variety of themes, from disillusionment with authority and religion to poverty and struggle in. These characters are haunted by dark memories and depressions, broken and damaged relationships. These tracks are not easy listening, but I hope they represent something impressive, meaningful, and refreshingly original. I hope that listeners pause and are able to take the time to really follow the stories told in each of them, and that they find a little more depth within the music than the usual.”
The title of the EP was inspired by a British cultural movement from the late 1950s and early 1960s, when theatre, art, novels, film and television plays featured protagonists who could be described as ‘angry young men’ disillusioned with society. Ultra_eko is no stranger to that dark side. He has been releasing music for less than a year, but the prolific artist has demonstrated a varied, eclectic and wholly unique talent.
While his sound would certainly be classed as hip-hop, it is not fuelled by cliche or convention. Rather, it is the unique voice of Ultra_eko himself, the self-professed storyteller, whose powerful writing and vision shines through every track. His passion is evident and he has a story to tell, a journey upon which to take his listeners and hold them captive. His tales are often dark, touching on regret, struggles between conflicted lovers, breakdowns in relationships, the difficulties of understanding ourselves and our place in the modern world. There is a depth and authenticity to his work that springs from his own wealth of experience. Born and raised in South London, Ultra_eko has spend his life among the people of whom he writes. His colourful and dramatic existence as a market trader, pro gambler, and bootlegger — along with other trades — is a main source of inspiration.
Listen to Kitchen Sink Dramas above, check out the video for King of the Wild Things below, and follow Ultra_eko on Instagram and Twitter.
