Written by Dan Parsons
Photographed by George Kitching
When we first linked up with 3vs in Kew Gardens, we showed him our first volume of bloom magazine and discussed the concept for the second edition whilst chilling out in the cafe.
Once we’d finished our coffees, we headed into to the botanical gardens with 3vs to explore the surroundings, look for good shots for the mag and discuss the UK music scene. Whilst exploring the verdant surroundings he noted his love for nature and how it inspires his creativity in his music, something we can see in both his album art on the recent Ramblings of a Madman EP and also as a juxtaposition to many of the things his bars rail against.
When diving into 3vs’ image, persona and aesthetic, two major aspects need to be explored- Firstly, the outward image, such as the mask, EP covers and his social media. Secondly, the deeper themes, like those within his discography and lyrics.
3vs’ mask is the aspect of his outward image that I find most compelling, as it reminds me of the famous Polish painting of Stanczyk, a court jester in Poland during the 16th century. Although debated, the painting itself is widely regarded as a satire to criticise the social problems faced by the people as the solemn jester depicted seems to be the only individual in the royal court worried about the situation at the time, whilst the monarch and nobles enjoy a ball in the background.
Whilst we could go on forever about the painting, its evident 3vs embodies this image of the ‘solemn jester’ along with its isolation and cynicism against a mad and confusing world. This is especially so through his mask, which on top of being a really unique piece of crochet work, seems to nod directly to Stanczyk.
This is further reflected on the recent album cover and music videos of the Ramblings of a Madman EP, as 3vs recently released an animated music video for the sombre banger ‘Hard Shoulder’. It features some sick imagery by 3k Studio which really evokes the feelings of isolation and despair. The main “character” of the video, who incidentally is also a jester, is literally stuck in a bubble sinking as the world, stars and love evades him. His instagram also points heavily towards this persona, with the imagery of the jester being inserted throughout his often cryptic and psychedelic posts.
All of these aspects of his ‘outward image’ point towards an artist who isn’t just a talented wordsmith, but one who actually has something to say in an often ambivalent and nonsensical world.
At this point it should be clear 3vs is ambitious in his pursuit of creativity, using some extremely enigmatic imagery and inserting profound meaning into his visual persona. This however is matched in equal measure within his lyrics. The Ramblings of a Madman EP showcases 3vs’ artistic development brilliantly and thus we’ll be taking a dive into the tracks found within this insane EP:
The track ‘Paradox’ has some of the most introspective and brooding lyrics that can be found in the UK underground scene at the moment. Its dissonant bars jolting the listener between those referencing the heroic Sir Lancelot, lofty plans and punchy political statements - with others which appear as cries for help, psychotic aggression, and a small measure of self hatred.
Further juxtapositions arise in bars like “I’ve been dying from laughter, That’s some different pain”, which further reference the jester. The lyrics present two vastly different personalities which would normally appear as anathema to one another, yet, paradoxically blend together into something uniquely 3vs.
‘Fuck Rap’ contains a rollercoaster-esque beat, with bars that match by flowing harshly through peaks and troughs. The variety of rhythms playing together throughout the tune creates a syncopated, or off beat, sound to the track, mirroring the themes of madness in the wider EP. 3vs even references this by saying “I'm off balance trying to find balance”. This track echoes the sound of artists like Slowthai, who’s early tracks created similarly crazy and unsettling auras around themselves.
Following on from this, ‘Dead Already’ explores a feeling of disillusionment and realisation at the mindlessness of the world and the “frames” people apply to themselves. The track is again, unsettling, as it tackles how these frames cause people to delude and lose themselves by trying to fit into a certain image or label.
A master of contrasts, 3vs juxtaposes the confusion, violence and self obsession in the world with bars like “All i care about is family” and “I don’t worry what they think about me”. Furthermore, the track title is referenced in the lyrics, “My deaths already earnt, can’t let that sh- go, 'til I let my grave turn”. 3vs describes this as accepting the death of these labels and frames, hence the name ‘Dead Already’.
The fourth track, ‘What’s it for?”, takes the EP further down the rabbit hole. An eerie and jarring beat provides the backing for a lost and dejected narrator. Echoing the track’s title, 3vs claims that “When it comes to push and shove, I be giving up”.
Whilst a bleak outlook on things, another persona is presented, one of confusion and longing for clarity. This is presented through several questions spliced into the despair of the track like “Show me somewhere safe, where can I escape?”, and “Never sure what’s in store, what’s it for?”. It’s as if under the dejection and apathy, there is still a glimmer of hope wishing to understand the world.
Whilst ‘Paradox’ starts the EP by presenting the thoughts of a somewhat nonsensical narrator, the track ‘Hard Shoulder’ takes the same introspective direction down a much desolate auditory route. 3vs himself describes this as the breaking point of the album, the climax of the madness leading up to this point. The backing track utilises lots of reverb and is set in a minor key that creates a sombre and unsettling tone which matches the heartfelt yet melancholy lyrics.
Bars like “True I’m sinking, tryna walk on hope, dunno what the f- I was thinking” perfectly matches the backing track and previously mentioned music video. 3vs is still adept at injecting a hint of the jester’s cynical humour into the tracks lyrics, however, stating that he “Fell through the holes like butter through a crumpet”. The track is full of despair and madness, a theme is mirrored throughout the entire EP, yet reaches its peak on this track.
In summary, the Ramblings of a Madman EP is incredibly rich in depth and meaning, it’s like its tracks take you through the five stages of grief in its own unique and twisted way. From its ability to reflect the persona of its creator 3vs as the isolated and cynical jester - to the way it takes the listener on a truly psychological journey throughout its tracks. Furthermore, It’s bookended by two of the most introspective tunes to be found anywhere in the UK underground scene, ‘Paradox’ and ‘Hard Shoulder’. This is not an EP to sleep on.
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