Inimata defies genres with incredibly experimental record, "Dog Trauma"
Inimata’s Dog Trauma is not just an album—it’s a legitimate audible experience, a controlled explosion of sound that redefines what experimental music can be. Over the course of 15 tracks in 45 mesmerizing minutes, this one-man-produced, four-person-presented project defies categorization, delivering a bold and uncompromising vision that keeps listeners teetering on the edge of their expectations. From start to finish, Dog Trauma is an exhilarating showcase of creative ingenuity, genre fluidity, and impeccable craftsmanship.
London-born, Newcastle-raised, and Sydney-based mastermind Charlie Eastwood (aka Inimata) has earned comparisons to JPEGMAFIA, King Krule, and even a "friendly Death Grips," but those descriptions only scratch the surface. With Dog Trauma, Inimata carves out a space that’s entirely his own. The album blends trance-infused energy, hip-hop grit, post-punk attitude, and electronic experimentation with a playful yet unsettling edge. It’s chaotic, it’s intricate, and it’s utterly captivating.
From the opening seconds of the album, it’s clear you’re in uncharted territory. Tracks like "Get 2 Running" and "Body Don’t Care" set the tone with pounding percussion, distorted vocals, and layers upon layers of sonic detail. The production throughout the record is nothing short of stunning—every beat, synth line, and effect feels purposeful, drawing listeners into a swirling vortex of sound. It’s a headphone album in the truest sense, where each listen reveals new textures and hidden elements.
The percussion on Dog Trauma deserves special mention. It’s relentless, dynamic, and often the driving force behind the album’s manic energy. Combined with the album’s genre-hopping tendencies, it creates a sense of constant motion—Inimata never lets you settle into one groove for too long before pulling you in a new direction.
Lyrically, Dog Trauma explores themes of alienation, identity, and resilience with a raw, unfiltered honesty that matches its sonic experimentation. Inimata’s vocal delivery oscillates between hypnotic murmurs and feral intensity.
Despite its relentless experimentation, Dog Trauma never feels self-indulgent. The album balances its more abrasive tendencies with moments of surprising tenderness and melody, ensuring that even its wildest detours remain accessible.
Fresh off performing with experimental rap group AFK in New York and wrapping up a triumphant album release show in Sydney, Inimata proves he’s an artist on the rise, driven by an almost compulsive need to create. Dog Trauma is the product of that relentless creativity, a genre-blurring masterpiece that challenges and rewards its listeners in equal measure.
In a world where music often feels predictable, Dog Trauma is a breath of fresh air—a thrilling reminder of what’s possible when an artist refuses to color within the lines. This is music for the fearless, the curious, and anyone ready to embrace the beautiful chaos of Inimata’s vision.
Listen to it with wide open ears and a sense of adventure by clicking those links below and don’t forget to follow along for more!
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