Poet-artist-rapper Mykki Blanco has always been important just for existing in America’s miserably homophobic and transphobic rap industry. This album, made at the same time as last year’s comeback Broken Hearts & Beauty Sleep, sees Blanco sharpening their pop antennae while discussing topics such as racism, feminism and queer pride. Little sparks surprise and delight, such as producer FaltyDL’s creative use of unpredictable backing vocals, and Anohni’s gossamer hook on French Lessons. On the other hand, Ketamine proffers a disorientating rhythm and queasy vibe – presumably designed to recreate a K trip – that is oddly not that enjoyable to listen to.
However, the main problem is a constellation of guests, from a tranquillised Michael Stipe to wordy Saul Williams, that first offer welcome light and shade, then block your view of the album’s supposed central star. Last track Carry On should close on Blanco’s fiery final verse; instead it meanders on for ages with Sigur Rós’s Jónsi hogging the spotlight. Mykki gets lost in their own album, except on its sole irresistible bop, Pink Diamond Bezel, a worthy, Neptunes-lite successor to last year’s Summer Fling. Disappointingly – and perhaps tellingly – it’s the one song where they have nothing of interest to say.
