If anyone knows how to bring the party to the summer, it’s Die Antwoord. Their last album, Donker Mag, was released in 2014, and tended to draw less enthusiasm with its lead single, “Cookie Thumper!,” than their previous record, Ten$ion, which offered the one-two punch of “I Fink You Freeky” and “Fatty Boom Boom.”
Now that Yolandi and Ninja are back after a two-year reprieve, it seems as though the duo has had time to confidently cultivate their sound in a way that speaks more to musical ability than mere shrill screaming just for the sake of it. The reggae-tinged opening accelerates with Yolandi crooning, “I just wanna be with you,” though, at times, you can’t tell for sure if she’s talking about her love or the “fat blunt” she keeps referring to.
The ominous chorus, “Dazed and confused, so cute and paranoid,” is almost as addictive as weed itself, leading one to wonder if Yolandi is singing an advocating or cautionary tale about her beloved blunt. One of the most unique elements of “Dazed & Confused” is the minimalistic use of Ninja’s vocals, who, for once, strays away from his conventional brand of rapping in favor of a softer, headier tone.
In fact, “Dazed & Confused” showcases an auditory range that we never knew Die Antwoord had in their arsenal, proving that, perhaps, yes, marijuana is the key to creativity. Plus, they had the help of none other than God to create the track, so what would you expect? If the song is any indication of what’s to come on their forthcoming mixtape (alas, no album), there is, indeed, a chilled out summer in store for us all.
