The Totem Trilogy Pt 1
By
The Scribes and Astro Snare
EP Review
The southwest of the UK is producing some the premier Hip
Hop acts on the scene at this time and none more so than infamous, award
winning, group The Scribes.
For this new release Ill Literate & Jonny Steele have
joined forces with Oxford based, Chicago raised, producer Astro Snare to drop
the first in a planned trilogy of releases. This trilogy promises to be
something a little special as the cover art for each release comes from
renowned illustrator Chris Malbon. The stunning artwork will combine across
each release to form a single image of a Totem, being the focus of the music.
A totem is often used to symbolise things of importance and
even to tell stories but, it is important to note that it is the how the
individual perceives the totem that how it speaks to them as an individual and
that is something to keep in mind as you listen to these first five tracks and
then on to and across the entire trilogy.
So, let’s into EP and let me give you a glimpse of where it
took me...
Now you can’t do much better than kick off with a full on
banger of a track and I’m Back is
just that. Noted as a heartfelt tribute to the golden age of Hip Hop, this
track is like Ronseal, as it does exactly what it says on the tin. Production
is funky, light-hearted and really does bring in that golden age energy. Ill
Literate and Jonny Steel are joined on vocals by Astro Snare himself and the
legendary figure of MC Duke dropping a verse that gives you chills But, it
takes nothing away from the others who drop the kinda verses that take your
breath away and have you wondering what is to come after such a strong opening
salvo.
Mighty Mighty
features a reggae brass vibe to the production which gives the track a nice
laid back feel you kinda wanna play whilst chilling in the garden on hot day
with cold drink as the words of the Scribes take you on deep journey that
speaks on some important subjects of our modern culture and ultimately gives the
message that you can’t change the past but, that you can use and change those
energies to help you rise up, stay strong and create the future you desire.
Rock This Part 2
is a crown moving banger of a track. With it’s heavy electric Hip Hop vibe this
one is really all about rocking the mic, rocking the speakers and rocking the
crowd. This is what Hip Hop has always been about, taking your sound and making
the people move to a feel good energy and this track does that and then some
from the headphones to the car to the club and the live experience, you gotta
move to this...
Heart Breaks is a
track that has you falling deep into the ups and downs of life. We all
experience the dark times, low points where we sometimes wonder if we will ever
be able to come back from and this tracks speaks on that and takes to the
reminder that there is always a bright side and a way back to the path that
takes us forward. The scars that remain are only there to allow us to remember
that we survived and have come a long way. Production on this one really hits
the mark with a piano and string vibe that really sets the tone for thoughtful
journey the track takes us on.
The final track on the EP is Keep Bouncing and this one is a
proper banging track that encompasses elements from Electronic, Dub and Grime
type vibes to Beat Boxing that all combines to create a high energy track which
will really have to bouncing. You can’t beat ending on a high and this track
does just that and leaves you desire for and wondering why you even have to
wait for the next release, cos you just want it now...
Coming on the back of the Scribes 2019 Quill Equipped
Villainy album, this EP really demonstrates that the guys have carved out a
nice little spot for themselves in the Hip Hop scene. They are always solid in
crafting what they do. Keeping their vocals packed full of wit, originality and
knowledge of current events and important subjects that help the listener feel
a connection to the crew on a level beyond the music.
The Scribes have always kept that link to real hip hop and
the boom bap sound whilst still experimenting and keeping their sounds fresh
and modern. It is just that kind of sound styling that shows in them linking up
with Astro Snare who brings a funky, electronic hip hop vibe mixed with complex
soundscapes that really fits so well with the vocals styling’s of Ill Literate
and Jonny Steele. It should not be overlooked that bringing in MC Duke on the
opening track was a stroke of genius. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard
Duke and this has gotta bring some well earned brownie points for the guys.
This is definitely not one to be slept on and after
listening to these first five tracks on this EP, I can’t wait to see what the
next two releases are going to bring us. For me, The Scribes keep going from
strength to strength and in current climate of uncertainty and big change it is
good to know that there are some things you can rely on to bring a positive
message and The Scribes are defiantly bringing those positive vibes and energy.
So, get yourself a copy of this and go check the video as
well, your gonna love that too...
On that note, I’m out.
Stay Safe people,
Steve
I'm Back - Official Video
Mighty Mighty
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