Album Review: Mimi Barks – THIS IS DOOM TRAP (Silent Cult)

Alternative trap superstar Mimi Barks will release her long-awaited debut album ‘THIS IS DOOM TRAP’ on September 26th, 2024 via Silent Cult.

THIS IS DOOM TRAP. A sonic journey through Mimi Barks’ pain-body and a guide on how to deal with it. An experience like little else from an artist who confidently stands alone in the alternative music scene. You don’t have to like the trap stylings of Mimi Barks, you don’t have to like the alternative rock twists, the pop-infused turns, and blasts of heavier metal to recognise an immense talent.

Which is what Mimi Barks is and all of this, plus so much more, is showcased across a ballsy and brash release that will delight and dismay in equal measures. Be warned, this is polarising music and an open-mind is required.

Being open-minded about music shouldn’t need to be prompted, of course, and an opening pair as strong as FSU and House Full of Fakes should be more than enough to sell this record to most. Oozing heavy intensity but via the medium of hip-hop beats and infectious choruses with the former. Then offering up something slower and heavier on the electronica with the latter. Its use of ominous melodies and disturbing layers of effects makes it one of the album’s most unique listens.

Imagination running riot and barely able to contain it all, Barks continues to display effective concoctions with Mirtazapine and Psychosis. Weird and wonderful in equal measure, the latter of the two is certainly unique. Which, of course, makes collaborating with Barks an appealing prospect so it’s not too much of a surprise to find some guest features on this record.

Alongside notable credits like MorgothBeatz (Machine Gun Kelly, Travis Barker), Brian Spencer (Slipknot, Scarlxrd) and Kenny Graves (Stitches, HXXXD, and Cody Manson), Raven Grey guests on one of the album’s heaviest guitar-driven efforts, Wormgirl. Whereas Yeti Bones of Ho99o9 helps turn Montana into a hip-hop anthem relevant for 2024.

With every track, the attention Barks commands only grows, and with every track it becomes easier and easier to give it over. With unparalleled creativity Faded digs into the soul, showcasing incredible depth to Barks’ vocals and lyrics. Followed by the dark atmosphere and twisted sounding Banshee, albeit from the continued unique stance of trap rock and metal. Before Silent Tears creates immense levels of appealing discomfort and Disgusted crafts atmosphere through deep layers of melody, alternative rock groove, and thought-provoking lyrics.

Having ensured few will be seated, and if they are they won’t be comfortable, Barks finds new ways to upend any feelings of familiarity with even more challenging aspects. Wrapping up an album that has truly lived up to expectations with a handful of memorable efforts. Cardiac, Final Destination Death Without Satisfaction, and Insomniac (a personal favourite) proving once and for all that this album can be so gripping and so dividing at the same time.

Regardless of love or hate, it is an album that will successfully push Mimi Barks name and sound into even more ears. The hype is real, and THIS IS DOOM TRAP lives up to all expectations.

Mimi Barks – THIS IS DOOM TRAP Track Listing:

1. FSU
2. House Full of Fakes
3. Mirtazapine
4. Psychosis
5. Wormgirl (Ft. Raven Gray)
6. Montana (Ft. Yeti Bones of Ho99o9)
7. Faded
8. Banshee
9. Silent Tears
10. Disgusted
11. Cardiac
12. Final Destination Death Without Satisfaction
13. Insomniac
14. Bonus Track – Montana (Mimi Solo)

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