The leader of the group is the producer and – for lack of a better word – rapper Robert Piernikowski, who is becoming one of the most interesting creators of Polish independent music, alongside such figures as Wojciech Bąkowski and Michał Biela.
Hip-hop is associated with rhythm, beats and stories. Napszykłat ruins and breaks hip-hop by adding to it micro-melodies, field recordings, small murmurs, corroded hums and rotting samples. The group gives this loud genre of street music a minimalistic feel. The sound seems to be polluted, melting even, but this doesn’t mean that the production is second-rate – on the contrary, we receive a coherent and melodious whole.
Piernikowski’s vocals are much different from those of other Polish hip-hop artists. His use of voice brings to mind America’s Why? A bit of singing, some surreal visions, a drift away from the streets, and a journey deep into the world of imagination. And also, communicativeness: "This is me and my space, my cosmos / pale face, large nose, sticky-out ears / no fine clothes can hide this / no German detergent can wash this away".
Piernikowski forms Napszykłąt together with Marek "Maryna” Karolczyk and Cezary Kołodziej. The band has performed on stage with Michael Gira, Cristian Vogel, Moderat and Architecture In Helsinki.
Translated by: Marek Kępa
Discography:
2006 – Plenum
2007 – Brudne zwierzaki EP
2009 – NP
2011 – Kultur Shock
http://napszyklat.bandcamp.com/