Ghostpoet - Shedding Skin
Eclectic alt-rock with dextrous wordplay
| Fact title | Fact data |
|---|---|
| Release date | 2 March 2015 |
| Label | Play It Again Sam |
Background
This isn’t the first time Ghostpoet, AKA Obaro Ejimiwe, has found himself in the Mercury Prize line-up. Since his last appearance (with the critically-acclaimed debut Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam), Ejimiwe's sound has taken an unmistakable turn.
Here, on Shedding Skin, the sparse electronic tinkering that marked his earlier output has given way to indie-ish, careening guitar territory, complete with backing band. What has remained the same is Ejimiwe’s sense of poetry - his voice, with its unique style of delivery, seems to stretch itself languidly but surely around lofty themes and sharp observations. It is a piece of work that impresses with its quality of contemplation and maturity.
Previously shortlisted?
Yes, in 2011 (Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam).
What the critics say
"In the blur between hip-hop, soul and poetry, Obaro Ejimiwe's weathered urban wisdom has found peace." - Clash
"songs stretch and distort and then suddenly snap-to. Ejimiwe’s mature baritone tethers it all: trapped and weary but tenacious." - The Telegraph
For fans of
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Our Mercury Prize 2015 playlist
Listen to all of this year's shortlisted acts.
Clips
Gemma Cairney on Ghostpoet: "how could I not love it?"
Gemma Cairney discusses Ghostpoet's Mercury Prize 2015 shortlisted album, Shedding Skin.
