Rob’s Album Of The Week: Ensemble Mik Nawooj’s Death Become Life

The fusion of peculiar styles is a growing trend in music. It creates terms such as folk-rap, mathcore, funk metal and numerous others that keeps journalists like myself on our toes. Oakland’s Ensemble Mik Nawooj takes this approach and enacts it in extraordinary fashion through the combination of a classical orchestra with genuine hip hop. Their new album, Death Become Life, that’s coming out on March 19 via Golden Fetus Records is a physical representation of an interesting artistic melding. At first listen, the senses will be captivated by the brilliance that’s being conveyed.

Two people serve as the main creative forces behind the group, which is the composer and pianist JooWan Kim and Sandman who serves as the MC. Sandman has a stream of consciousness delivery with his lyrics being poignant and profound. Kim leads an octet of vocalists, violinists, flutists, cello players along with bass and drums to create a flurry of triumphant progressions and complex structures. It’s like as if Beethoven and Atmosphere started jamming in the same room together. Even if this kind of music isn’t your cup of tea, you have to be impressed by the fearlessness and innovation that comes with it.

As I write this review column, it’s St. Patrick’s Day. I will say two things about this day: If you drink “car bombs” today you…