Too often in the past have I been burned by the over-hype. This kid's story is impressive, which often leads even the most jaded hipsters to blind themselves with the rosiest of shades. But if I ignored them all, I would have missed the White Stripes and others; so I have a little faith and spin.What is delivered is a collection of home recordings. Even more raw than Cody ChesnuTT, think instead of a black Daniel Johnston. Instrumentation is sparse and the listener is sold specifically on the merits of the words. Skepticism jumps in right away because while "Take Me Away" is a impressive soul-gospel slave dirge, it also sounds a shitton like Tom Waits.
Other tracks show Willis getting more existential. And maybe a little schizophrenic. "Cosmic Queries" asks, for example, "Is there some trascendental train for the ones who are none?" And while I'm leaning toward the this-is-too-rustic-to-be-authentic vibe, the album is not without its merits. I still think that Willis will eventually benefit from grabbing a Beck-like collaborator (or just Beck) to add some more musical arrangements; but Willis has a gift for gab. Not hip-hop, but more urban folk rap; he brings some quality observational thoughts to the mic sometimes. "Robot Ghost" and the attached "Evening's Kiss" are examples. (3 of 5 stars)
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