Golliwog carries a horror movie vibe, reminiscent of nails scraping against a blackboard, and it serves as the backbone of the track Star87. The song is interspersed with agonized screams and often overwhelmed by ominous drones. From a sound design perspective, Billy Woods’ latest album stands out as one of the most immersive and unsettling records of the year. Yet, as expected from Woods, this is only scratching the surface.
The horror aesthetic of Golliwog starkly contrasts with the tales of genuine daily nightmares. Through a mix of samples, guest poetry, and his own lyrics, Woods reveals a multitude of harrowing images depicting inhumane torture methods.
Overall, the album is only slightly denser than Woods’ usual work. He manages to find beauty even in the ugliest circumstances. The fuzzy synths from Pitchforks & Halos create a rich soundscape. Meanwhile, the beat on Make Mase No Miss feels somewhat akin to dance music. However, Golliwog is ultimately dominated by themes of inherited trauma and government-sanctioned violence, with Woods examining it all with chilling precision. It might even be described as the haunted house of the album, yet there’s a flicker of optimism, although it’s hard to believe Woods envisions a clear path forward.
