Ness Heads - “Veneno”

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…Jean Deaux, 070 Shake, Noname

Ness Heads released her third EP last year, a record that continues to balance hip hop experimentation and catchy pop phrases. JUNKYARD HEARTS VOL. 1 is textured with futurist beats, the right sound to match Ness Heads’ psych-R&B vocals. Heady air that is part trap and part electronic dream pop supplies the space for Ness Heads’ bilingual vocals (she switches language at unexpected times that sparks more invention) that smoothly go between lonely and aggrieved. Ness Heads showcases Saturday night at The Iron Bear as part of a stacked lineup presented by The Color Agent. (Kevin McStravick)

2022 Review: Ness Heads continues to scour experimental hip hop on her latest EP Ghost On Lubao, adding a chillwave haze over all six deep-groove tracks. Trap-pop (“Rvmors”), electronic R&B (“Monsoon”), and dark drama (“FSU”) forms lay different frameworks, but no matter the foundation, Ness Heads trips it out with unique ambition. While playing around different rap subgenres, there’s subtle soul coming off from her music, a soft sincerity to balance her otherwise adventurous songwriting.