What makes Travis Miller’s, better known as Lil Ugly Mane, recent direction in music so interesting is the way that he manages to build superficially colourful and light-hearted songs contrasted with the extremely dark lyrics. Although fans of Miller have seen this darkness and despair in past projects, this switch in sound truly proves his versatility; going from trap or harsh noise to something that resembles indie folk or dream pop, without ever drifting from the essence of his music.
His imagination seems to be boundless. The US rapper’s distinct style is what has lent him his cult following. Miller’s poetic lyricism expresses deeply existential convictions that fans have noticed throughout many of his other albums and singles.
In ‘Ricochet,’ Lil Ugly Mane’s continuation of this exploration of existentialism remains and is amplified through the conflict between the ominous core of the song and its surrounding warmth and nostalgia in the instrumental. Although the song is good, ‘Ricochet’ doesn’t stray too far off Miller’s latest album, Volcanic Bird Enemy (2021), which might make it feel like a continuation to the latter. However, anyone who enjoyed that album or enjoys the occasional indie folk would appreciate this single as well.