Here at Stereokill we know that great music comes in all forms, sometimes all at once. Never has this mantra been more true than with lo-fi Ohio rap-rockers Why?.
Formed in early 2002 by enigmatic frontman Yoni Wolf (formerly of cLOUDDEAD), the ensemble debuted on revered hip-hop label Anticon, bringing an indefinable breath of fresh air to the scene with their 2003 debut Oaklandazulasylum.
Punchy, sickly sweet, half-rapped vocals clash with a rough, edgy and often dissonant soundscape to create something flawlessly original. This fusion of hip-hop and indie rock is epitomized in 2008’s “Good Friday”, an imagery-heavy anthem for the unhinged and dissatisfied, while the syncopated rap and left-field songwriting of “Crushed Bones” is gloriously surreal. Current album Eskimo Snow is a somewhat more conventional indie rock affair, but the lovingly-looped percussion and slightly slurred vocals pay quiet testament to the band’s roots.
Why? are currently touring material from Eskimo Snow, with a handful of UK dates in March. It hardly matters whether you’re a hip-hop fan or not – try something new. You won’t regret it.
Track // “This Blackest Purse” (mp3)
Steve Caffrey is a guitarist and freelance photographer from Scotland. 
Why? are quite clearly the all time best band in the world ever. I <3 Yoni Wolf.