I had some serious doubts about Quarashi. Maybe it’s because of the disclaimer that was attached to the disc; if memory serves it was something like enjoy (ha, ha, ha). Nonetheless I decided to give the album a fair try and put the proper amount of research into writing an informative review.
After listening to the album Jinx on three or four occasions I’ve come to one rather concise opinion about Quarashi. They and this album are shallow, dated, and cliché impersonations of the worst influences a band could ever have—rap-rock schlock. There are some heavy handed Beastie Boys touches, but the also influential to Quarashi’s “music” seem to be luminaries including Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, and Deftones. If that isn’t bizarre enough for your sense of humor, consider for a moment that Quarashi doesn’t just make rap-rock…they are Icelandic rap-rockers.
…waiting for the uncontrollable burst of laughter to subside before I continue…
Speaking of funny things, Quarashi is the product of a producer/drummer named Sölvi Blondal. The lineup is rounded out by not one, not two, but three vocalist/rappers. On apparent “lead” is one Hössi Olafsson. His backups are former Icelandic skating champion and graffiti artist Stoney Fjelsted and Omar Swarez. Hey, I couldn’t make up something more ridiculous or unlikely if I tried. The name of the band is actually pronounced “kwa-ra'-she” which is the Icelandic word for supernatural. It seems that these boys have quite a high opinion of themselves.
Jinx is the band’s full-length 2002 debut despite the fact they formed in 1996. The band’s sound is exactly what you’d expect from a DJ and three MCs. There is little organic about this album—just programmed riffs and chugs and chunks and beats. It’s not at all what I would consider to be “entertaining.” Jinx is like a public service announcement—“this is your brain; this is your brain on Limp Bizkit. Any questions?” Seriously, Quarashi is the precise reason why folks need to step outside of the box occasionally. The fact that these jokers got any sort of American distribution is sick and twisted.
Right from the start, it’s pretty clear that Quarashi had very limited accessibility to music. Heck, how else can you explain the concept of three MCs? Stick ‘Em Up, Mr. Jinx, and Baseline are almost exactly the same as far as concept goes. Haphazardly put together a “catchy” beat with crappy synthesized noise and layer the “rapping” just over top the beats and whirrs. Don’t forget about the occasional sample either as evidenced by the opening of Malone Lives. It’s all so bland, predictable and derivative. Having been a fan of the Beasties for something over ten years, it is imminently obvious that Quarashi is trying to copy that style rather than coming up with something with some iota of creativity attached.
As the album progresses it gets worst. I can’t fault the band for including a rap in their native tongue, but even ignoring the words I can’t help but feel completely turned off by Tarfur. The album’s strongest moments are definitely early on. While I don’t like much of anything about Jinx, I will say that Stick ‘Em Up and Mr. Jinx are mildly entertaining (aka not completely offensive on the ears). The second half of the album doesn’t agree nearly as well. Rage Against the Machine is the clear influence for Copycat, a completely unintelligible rap-metal offering. But generally the band sticks pretty close to the Beasties (as on Transparent Parents). Laughable, though, is that the band takes on Shaggy’s Boombastic on Weirdo. They actually, honestly, must think that to be a serious rap track as evidenced by the utterance of the following lyrics (which when combined with their own words just seems stupid):
"They call me mister boombastic fantastic.
Don’t do nothing drastic you spastic, cause I bomb the mic like a fascist.
I’m not even from America and I bury ya.
Light in a coffin as to not to worry ya.
Bury ya make you bounce like a berry ya’ll.
Make you giddy in you stomach like your sisters are ba ra bop.
And now you met your match as I drain out your power
and make you stop like a Seiko sports watch."
That’s just one minor example of the stupidity of Jinx and Quarashi. I think the believe themselves to be serious musicians, but with a repertoire that never varies from the old, predictable, and boring nobody else will ever be able to take them seriously. As the album draws to a final close I can’t find anything of note. Xeneizes is dull and annoying, Fuck You Puto tries too hard to be serious thus coming off as a joke, and Dive In reeks of synthetic overproduction (Might their target be Moby this time?). Bless is the best thing to happen to Jinx. Why? Well, I fell blessed that the damn album finally comes to an end.
Quarashi is a perfect example of what is wrong in this world musically. They think they are cool and modern and serious, but in the end they are nothing more than a parody. Whatever you do, don’t buy Jinx. If you liked Stick ‘Em Up from the Orange County soundtrack, my suggestion is to buy that moderately better album instead. Steer clear.
Rating: 1/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Stick ‘Em Up
02. Mr. Jinx
03. Baseline
04. Malone Lives
05. Tarfur
06. Copycat
07. Transparent Parents
08. Weirdo
09. Xeneizes
10. Fuck You Puto
11. Dive In
12. Bless
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![Jinx [PA] * by Quarashi](http://di1.shopping.com/images1/pi/bc/63/5e/2006746910-177x150-0-0.jpg)
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