Saturday 18 September 2021

EP Review: RISE by Era Nova

 

Rise EP

By

Era Nova

 


Rise is the debut EP from Era Nova, otherwise known as Gambit (Switzerland) and Tak (Los Angeles). I first heard these guys together on the track Firestorm from Gambit’s 2019 album Underground Kingpin and to have them together on an EP seems like a logical step.

The EP is released through Spit Slam records and see’s Chuck D serving as executive producer. Production comes entirely from Gambit so you can expect the sort of sound that requires you to turn this one way up to really get the best feeling from it.

The best thing is for me to just dive right into this one and take you through it…

The Ep kicks off with Actarus, a high-octane Hip Hop beat with some orchestral samples that does have a few switches in pace along the way. This does not just serve as an introduction or a demonstration of who Era Nova are and what they are all about but, also looks at such things as the current state of Hip Hop and how some rappers conduct themselves. The frantic and deadly cuts come from JMARZ and just add to the fact that Era Nova are here and mean business. The octane rating does not diminish as the sonic DnB sounds of Ambush assault your ears. There is also a dash of ragga running through this as the energy levels rise. The guys have you bouncing and pumping the air ambushing your senses with the change in sound and insane wordplay. There is not let up in the energy levels as pounding drums, bass, bells and claps all twist and merge into the Sparta Routine. Gambit and Tak, alongside some deft cuts from DJ Roy, get you fired up and ready to head into battle. There is no room for fear here, only a raw desire to defend your honour to the bitter end.

Huge sonic sounds herald the arrival of a classic Hip Hop sample which takes the term Bangin’ Hip Hop, to a new level. Joined by Australian emcee KID Lyrical (Blades) and DJ Roy on the cuts, K.I.L is a straight up homage to the Hip Hop culture with every one of the four pillars mentioned along the way. It is also about the longevity of sound and keeping one foot squarely in the roots of Hip Hop while allowing the other to evolve with the times. This one will have your adrenaline pumping, the b-boys popping, the graff artists tagging and the DJ’s scratching with everyone joining in Keeping It Lasting. There is no easing you out of the EP gently as more sonic goodness and pounding drums hit with a slightly more reserved edge, kinda like heavy sledgehammer blows to the head. If you think you can step up in the game, then be aware that Era Nova bring a no fucks given unapologetic edge to their style and are not above showing their Assassin’s Greed in their pursuit to take out any weak wack rappers or anyone stupid enough to step into their crosshairs…

 


If you are gonna mix up styles and sounds then you have to be confident, especially if you are going to mix Hip Hop and DnB with kinda hectic vibe you get from heavy metal music. There is do doubt that Gambit’s production needs to be played loud for you to get the best out of it and, let’s face it, why would you want to play it any other way. The production hits like a railgun as it pounds your ears and mind in a relentless manner leaving you feeling like you’ve just been hit by train.

Lyrically Era Nova are clinical in their delivery even if it is not clean. Their distinct differences in style have this odd way of complimenting each other. Gambit brings his high-octane raw vocals which naturally seem to fit many styles of musical flow, while Tak has a more classic rap style but, still shows a maturity to mix it with varying flows as needed, easily handling whatever is thrown at him. Together they both bounce of each other effortlessly, with one complimenting the other as they move from verse to verse and track to track. Bringing in KID Lyrical on K.I.L also worked perfectly as his no nonsense vocal style fits perfectly with both Gambit and Tak, sitting somewhere in-between their styles.

I always like to hear some slick turntablism when I’m listening to Hip Hop, otherwise its just not the same and here there is a good dash of that. DJ Roy and JMARZ provide the kind of cuts that fit perfectly with those feature tracks, demonstrating that the real Hip Hop sound can easily evolve and still sound fresh.

So, if you are looking for a sound that is hard, heavy and will get your pulse pounding and push your energy levels into the stratosphere, then look no further than the Rise EP. This is Heavy Hip Hop and Heavy Rap that pushes the EQ levels and the bar to new heights. That said, it’s not for everyone so, if you don’t wanna get burned then step aside because Era Nova are bringing the heat.

The Rise EP by Era Nova is out now on Spit Slam Records.

After that I’m outta here,

Peace,

Steve.

LINKS

Get Era Nova on Bandcamp Here:

https://eranova.bandcamp.com/album/rise-2

All Streaming links and Offical Store Link Here:

https://smarturl.it/reix4w

SPIT SLAM Records Website:

https://slamjamz.com/


VIDEOS

K.I.L ft KID Lyrical Official Video



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