Messy Beast sounds good

The St. Louis-based hip-hop group has 13 members.

By Katie Currid

Published Feb. 12, 2009

Italian sonnets, Atari, comic books and angry hip-hop don't actually have anything in common. But they're all ingredients in Birth of a Beast, the debut EP from St. Louis band Jason and the Beast.

Jason and the Beast consists of leader Jason Braun and 12 other members. The band's project is a large one with members contributing to various songs with their diverse talents -- whether it be singing, mixing and producing or playing an instrument. Jason and the Beast's self-released hip-hop album is made up of sonnets and Shakespearean excerpts layered over instruments ranging from a piano and turntables to random percussion objects, a tuba and even an Atari synth. Although having 13 members is somewhat overreaching, Braun sought out St. Louis' best and compiled them together for Birth of a Beast.

Beast is a very different type of hip-hop album, with overly profound lyrics and poetic influence. Braun takes influence from modern poetry, rapping along in iambic pentameter over the mess of random instruments in the background. Braun's voice is sometimes reminiscent of Talking Heads' David Byrne in "Once in a Lifetime" or Say Anything's Max Bemis in "Admit It!!!," though his monotone vocals are more often tiring instead of entertaining.

Braun's lyrics are also too heavy and his metaphors don't always make sense, such as in "Beast in the Bookhouse" when he raps, "In the age of copper, I was iron ore."

Although the vocals and lyrics of Braun are hit-and-miss, his supporting crew is always right on target. The mixing and scratching of the turntables (especially on "The Beast in the Bookhouse") is incredibly skilled and impressive.

The band's eclectic use of instruments also pays off with juxtaposing piano lines in "Birdlike Beast" and random percussion in "Street Preacher." The background vocals are also appreciated, adding feminine color to the mostly dark album.

Also interesting about Birth of a Beast is its inclusion of a comic book with the EP. The comic book details Braun's personal search for wisdom. It was created by recognized artist Matt Kindt, whose graphic novel was named one of the top 10 of 2001 by Time magazine. The comic book adds another unique touch to the EP in addition to all the other random things.

While the novelty and uniqueness of Birth of a Beast are sometimes a bit much, the band does a good job of making a name for itself, setting it apart from other generic hip-hop. Braun's lyrics are also hipster-esque at times, but will be appreciated by the right audience. Overall, the band has done a successful job with its first EP and will find its niche in due time.