Relentless Beats

ISOKNOCK & RL Grime Collaborate on Explosive Track, ‘Smack Talk’

Over the past year ISOKNOCK (a joint venture between ISOxo and Knock2) has been on a tear, disrupting the electronic music industry through their punk-rock attitude, dramatic visual flair, and penchant for translating controlled chaos into extravagant musical set pieces – a refined approach that subverts all expectations of what an electronic music project is supposed to look and sound like. 

The two San Diego-natives first met as teenagers, forming a brotherly bond as they ascended as individual artists – playing packed-out renegade shows, performing at major international music festivals, and collaborating with legends such as Skrillex.

Since starting their collaborative project as a SoundCloud guest mix in 2019, the duo have a collected bevy of accomplishments under their belt, including four consecutive sold out shows at the Shrine Auditorium last fall, their Sahara Tent-closing set at this year’s Coachella, as well as two sold out sets at Seattle’s WAMU Theater and Brooklyn’s Under The K Bridge in May. 

Now, they’ve teamed up with the trap icon RL Grime (who has been an ardent supporter of the two artists for years, recently going b2b with Knock2 at Ultra Music Festival) to finally actualize their combined creative vision. 

“Smack Talk” begins with ethereal chanting, cybernetic bass, and a horror-inspired synth loop. A bright, kaledescopic layer of sound provides contrast to this loop. Complimenting each other well. Metallic drum effects keep the beat as the song hops between vibes. The instrumentals on “Smack Talk” rev and soar as a flow comes into frame:

“We don’t mess with players hatin’ who be talkin’ that. We, we don’t mess with players hatin’ who be yappin’ that. We, we don’t mess with players hatin’ who be talkin that. We don’t mess with players hatin’.”

“Smack Talk” then begins its first pre-drop. Icy effects, revving synths, and rapid, bubbling drums, build tension as we draw ever closer to the first drop. A brief digital diminuendo, popping percussive effects, and a yelling sample bridges the pre-drop with the drop. The drop swaps between thick tech-house bass and sections that take on an Egyptian/Middle Eastern flair. Adding even more diverse soundscapes to this incredible track! The flow and yelling sample return intermittently, as laser effects add an intergalactic feel to the drop. After the drop, we loop back to the horror synths and contrasting bright notes. “I’m in love with the pain” declares a woman’s voice as the heavenly chanting returns. Providing the listener with a brief opportunity to rest before “Smack Talk” kicks into high gear once again. The screaming sample and tech-house notes return with a vengeance. Techno drums beat along like a heartbeat in exertion. Galloping synth effects and spirals flutter off in all directions before the bombastic bass makes a grand return. The next drop introduces crunchy undertones that illicit a natural bassface in the listener. Complimenting the other elements well. “Smack Talk’ closes with a final batch of Egyptian flair, horror notes, and samples. Steady drums keep up the final percussive duties of the track. Gunshots and dropping bullets signal the end of the track. An impeccable way to wrap up an anti-smack talk anthem.

This is an incredible track with every collaborator at the top of their game. RL Grime’s involvement in this track is evident and adds even more layers to an already successful collaborative effort (ISOKNOCK). “Smack Talk” is well-layered and draws inspiration from numerous sources that blend well. This is an intense track that only hits the brakes in a brief bridge. This is an essential listen for fans of any of the artists involved. It is also a great introduction to these artists for new listeners. “Smack Talk” represents everything that I love about the music, culture, and vibe behind the EDM scene. I highly recommend this one!

Connect with ISOKNOCK: Instagram | Spotify | SoundCloud

Connect with RL Grime: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | SoundCloud

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