Aromatherapy Vol 1
By
Aroma
Album Review
This one was originally released back in 2018 and was one I
had agreed to do a review of and for some really strange reason things
transpired that meant that it has not been until now that I have got the chance
to finally review this as originally intended.
Now you may or may not know just who the Aroma are but, let
me just introduce them to you. A trio from Bristol UK, these guys have come
together to form a formidable production unit. First up is DJ Rumage (Numskullz)
providing the beats, Sir Beans OBE providing wizardry on the turntables with
the one and only Rola (Numskullz) on engineering and production.
What they have done with Volume 1 is to take it back to a
time when 7 or 8 tracks were considered an LP and each track was high quality
with no fillers. Not only that but, this album was released in three formats,
Vinyl, CD and Cassette, Just like back in the days.
With an introduction like that and with the bar set high,
exactly what did this album deliver and what did it say to me...
Kicking off with the short Introma, this heavy funk style beat sets the vibe perfectly for
what is to come and that deep heavy feel continues and beat kicks in with Made You Look Foolish. A banging track
that features Junior Disprol (Dead Residents) on vocal duties dropping his
characteristic lyrical style perfectly over the heavy beat which has a bit of a
gentleman’s gangster vibe to it. If you still had any doubt that this was going
to be anything but, real Hip Hop then as pounding beat hits for Tri-Angles, then those doubts are now
smacked outta ya, with Upfront MC (Split Profits), NK (pka Blaktrix) and Nilla
(outta Canada*) gracing this one with their lyrical skills, a kinda three the
hard way comes to mind and you are beginning to lose yourself in the masterful
soundscape that is being created here. Taking us to the halfway point is Stream of Thought which picks up the
pace and features Retna collaborating on the kinda track that takes your from
head nodding to wanting to move your whole body to the beats and rhymes.
In the second half and we are treated to a kinda musical
pallet cleanser that is Fresh Air, A
little piece of freshness to get you ready for the next onslaught, which comes
in the form of What is It? Taking
you back to the heavy pounding banger of a beat, giving the perfect platform
for the legendary MCM from Caveman to guest alongside Stepasaur (aka Stepchild)
on a track taking you a journey through life, our experiences, challenges and
the fact that being there for each other is so often key to helping us move
forward. Something that is key in the current uncertain climate we are living
in. Up next is the jazzier lighter vibe of Grey
which sees NK back for his second appearance. For me this one really was a
perfect follow up track to What is it? as this one really has that, light at
the end of the tunnel feel, something we need to remember as we move through
the dark times. So, we move into the final track Let Down with a more chilled
vibe but, not chilled enough to not keep you moving. This funky dope track is
all about the fact you don’t need no idols or heroes because ultimately you’ll
be letdown. The best way to be is to be your own hero and that is where the
true inspiration is. This track is the perfect way to end the album, especially
so as it features Bristol 3PM legend MC Kelz and the smooth silky vocals of
Lizz E from the legendary Fresh 4.
If you have or decide to get the CD version of the Album
then, you’re in luck as there is a hidden track for your listening please and
this comes in the form of Invasion.
Originally released as a 7” this one features Junior Disprol and is a solid
heavy banging track with some ethereal keys which all combine to invade your
senses in a way that only real Hip Hop can.
*(Nilla is a part of
the Droppin’ Science family alongside; Ghettosocks, Timbuktu, Chan Hays,
Teenburger and Aquakulture).
Aroma have really crafted the kinda LP that is every bit the
kinda high quality aural inhalation that comes along every now and then. Given
to you in just the right proportions, it transports you to that dimension of
Hip Hop that is the Bristol sound. Now it might be 2 years since this one
originally dropped but, all credit to Aroma because this sounds as fresh today
as it did then and not just that but, there are some points made here that are
just so on point right now. This album is destined to retain that freshness and
will never get old, if you know what I’m sayin’.
What is crucial here is the pedigree of these three
legendary figures of the Bristol and the entire UK Hip Hop scene. Together they
are, without a doubt, a huge force to be reckoned with not just for the way
they have crafted the sounds that give you such musical pleasure but, they have
drafted in a wealth of home grown, international and legendary figures from the
Hip Hop scene who perfectly fit with the vibe and flow of tracks they appear
on. This album is damn near perfection and if it’s not in your collection
already then you only need to do one thing once you have finished reading this,
go get a copy...
Aromatherapy Volume 1 is published by Ruztik Records and
brought to you by AE Productions and I would like to give a huge shout out to
Mr Fantastic @ AE and DJ Rumage for giving me the chance to review this,
eventually...
On that note, Stay Safe people, I’m out...
Steve
No comments:
Post a Comment