Aspetta
By
COSM &
Micall Parknsun
Back in September 2020 I reviewed COSM’s first album release
on the Hollow Sun label, the awesome Iron Statue. Since that time COSM has not
been sitting back on his laurels. January 2021 saw Hollow Sun drop the Mouth of
Madness single from Iron Statue which featured Murkerz and saw the track get
two remixes from g-man (DecksTerror) and March 5th saw the release of
the eagerly anticipated Aspetta LP alongside legendary and
multi-talented Micall Parknsun.
The album is produced entirely by Parky and features
appearances from Parky himself, Juga-Naut, C.o.n-Verse, Mick Swagger,
Jabbathakut and Jazz T (who also mixed and mastered the album).
So, with a line-up of UK talent like this the album promises
to be a heavy hitter so, without further ado, lets dive into the album:
The intro to Joe Pesci gives this an air of a mafia
movie vibe but then your ears are immediately pounded by a heavy beat mixed
with some xylophone notes that, alongside the movie similes and wicked
wordplay, develop the crime movie feel like you’re constantly looking over your
shoulder and peering into the shadows. From the air of mystery to straight up
head nod Hip Hop But, don’t be deceived here as COSM draws you into the shadowy
world where you question reality and wonder which you are living in and could
it be controlled by some higher power the has The Grand Design for you
and the world around you.
Two Dogs is a boom bap beat that is infused with some
sharp piano. This one really spoke to me about keeping your awareness focused
on how you live and conduct yourself. It is very like the story of the two
wolves and which one you feed will control your destiny. With Glass Ceiling
the beat is more laid-back but, laced with some big strings. The message here
is all about those times you can see where you want to be but, there is some
invisible barrier that holds you back and to get where you want to be you just
have to use whatever means are necessary to break through that barrier and move
forward. That laid-back vibe continues with Mount Olympus with has an
almost dreamy mix of drums, piano, and etheric vocals. This has that posse cut
vibe and features Juga-Naut, Micall Parknsun and C.o.n-Verse who, alongside
COSM, take us deep into what it is to make music, do what you love and still
survive through the ups n downs of life.
Hoia Baciu takes us into deep moody vibe of drums
over some orchestral vibes and slick cuts. Here COSM gets into your mind
speaking on those times you do not realise how tough things can be at times. It
is only when the reality of it truly hits that you understand but, that’s what
it is living live. From those stark realisations the vibe switches to more a
more upbeat jazzy feel with some funked out bass on Out Here, this one
really spoke to me about how tough it is being in the underground music scene
and getting by. You are the one to keep yourself focused and delivering the
goods in a world that’s cold, be the one delivering the heat…
Returning to the head nod vibe that is also heavy on the
keys, Infamy kicks about how doing what you love and loving what you do
and having the support of a good group of people behind you and its rounded off
with those sweet cuts from Jabbathakut, who again features on Santino,
an out and out banger that begs for you to turn the volume up as COSM takes us
through that inner city life and the struggles and daily grind you work through
to get by and reach for that brighter day. The album ends with DeVino,
heavy on the drums with that piano which take us back to looking deep into the
shadows wondering where the next hit is coming from.
I really like this idea of creating a concept that runs
through the entire album. With Iron Statue it was the whole Rocky/Boxing theme
and here on Aspetta we have this slightly darker organised crime/Mafia movie
theme and it really gives these albums that extra dimension and depth,
especially when its packed full of living life and those deep personal
experiences.
The way COSM expertly flips his wordplay, packed full of
similies and a dexterity that sets him apart from so many other emcees out
there right now and it gives everything he does such a refreshing depth that
keeps you listening and guessing at what you just heard, which is especially so
with the clever use of movie references and so on.
Micall Parknsun production is faultless here, I mean this
guy can do no wrong. Whether it is production or rap, he brings and air of
professionalism that brings such a polished edge to whatever he touches and the
tone of the music he produces brings the perfect mood to whatever project he is
working on.
The appearance of Jabbathakut, Juga-Naut, C.o.n-Verse, Mick
Swagger, Jazz T and Parky himself only serves to solidify the quality of this
album. There are so many superb emcees out there right now that it is important
to pick those who will bring depth to the particular project and COSM and Parky
have chosen wisely for Aspetta.
When you stick this one on you get that air of
cruising around in a big car with those dark tinted windows and as you're cruising by people know and respect who you are and what you do. Indeed that feeling of respect courses through everything you do and not only that but, there is a mutual respect that runs alongside this for all those who support. Alongside that it
carries with it that knowing there is a deep wealth of life experience that
pervades every bar and more than a dash of fun, games, and good friends to
boot. This is simply a quality release from COSM, Micall Parknsun and Hollow
Sun Records, deep but also great entertainment.
Huge thanks to g-man (DecksTerror) for sending this over to
me.
Aspetta is available now, Links below.
Till next time,
Peace Out,
Steve.
LINKS
Buy the album here from Hollow Sun Records on Bandcamp:
https://hollowsunrecords.bandcamp.com/album/cosm-micall-parknsun-aspetta
Hollow Sun Records on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa43vZvgLA4FWws51gqMYXQ
Be sure to check all the usual social media to follow and support the artists.
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