Musical genius noise-hop trio clipping. has come out with their newest release, Splendor & Misery. Known for their innovative approach to hip-hop by overlaying the vocals of Daveed Diggs (Lafayette and Jefferson in the broadway hit Hamilton) over harsh noise tracks mixed by Jonathan Snipes and William Hutson, it’s not enough to just say that they’ve done it again.

     The bandcamp of clipping. describes Splendor & Misery as an “Afrofuturist, dystopian concept album that follows the sole survivor of a slave uprising on an interstellar cargo ship, and the onboard computer that falls in love with him,” and oh, my gosh, it was quite the trip.

     As always, Diggs delivers crisp vocals that do not overpower the tracks, and the tracks do not distract from his vocals. Every track and verse contributes, adds to, and paints a story that the listener is pulled into.

     Tracks such as “Long Way Away (Intro),” “Long Way Away,” and “Story 5,” are surprising , as their sound deviates from the norm, or at least whatever qualifies as “the norm” for this group; and that is an absolutely brave and fantastic move.

     Least Favorite Track: “Interlude 02 (Numbers),” only because while I understand its addition to the atmosphere, it is solely a matter of personal taste wherein I am not all for repetition or repetitive sounds. As a storytelling device, it is perfect.

     Favorite Tracks: “All Black,” “Interlude 01 (Freestyle),” “Wake Up,” “Long Way Away,” “True  Believer,” “Air ‘Em Out,” “Story 5,” and “Baby Don’t Sleep.” It should be no surprise that I adore clipping. I will not hesitate to admit that I listened to the album in its entirety on two road trips and even late at night when I couldn’t sleep, which is probably not the intent, but honestly, I just love this group.

     I give this album a 9 out of 10.

     Anyone familiarized with Daveed Diggs’ role as Lafayette or Jefferson should absolutely listen to his solo or group work, and if you’re willing to delve into social commentary backed by mysteriously torturous audio which lives up to its name—clipping, in the literal sense—you ought to listen to clipping.