Thursday 18 November 2021

Special Double Single Review: AE Productions AE044 & AE045

 

AE Productions

Double Single Review

AE044 and AE045

 

Back in October I dropped a similar double header for the previous two AE Productions 45 drops and as these two new 45’s were also released together I decided to do the same again. So, sit back and enjoy…

 

AE044 – Sir Beans OBE

Part Of It ft KELZ / DEF - Defeat Evil Fools ft Zaeb Dust, Blaktrix & Medusa



Bristol Legend Sir Beans OBE (Parlour Talk, Undivided Attention & Transcript Carriers) has previously supplied beats for the Truck album and also turntables on The Aroma on AE Productions but, he now drops his first solo release.

The A side see’s Sir Beans joined by another Bristol legend in the form of KELZ for Part Of It. The sound here is a mix of drums, guitars and keyboards that has that classic Bristol, Sagittarius Sound System, Ruztic Records vibe. At times it feels like an urban industrial sound which merges in and out of an almost spaced-out sound alongside it.

That sound is the perfect back drop for KELZ to bring his no nonsense lyrical style, tinged with ragga elements, to bear on this track. Listening to this you get that feeling that what KELZ is saying here is that you gotta stand up for what you believe in, no matter what it is. It could be your stance on the state of current events, your feelings on what it is to be Hip Hop or anything you feel passionate about. Don’t just be a Part Of It by believing everything you are told! Always stand up for who you are and speak your truth.

This track oozes that Bristol vibe and sound which is encapsulated by Sir Beans production and KELZ knowledge and inimitable rap style. Whenever these guys work together, they put out Hip Hop that reeks of experience and a deep desire to entertain while bringing the truth to the people as only they know how…

The B side finds Zaeb Dust (The Enjinz), Blaktrix (Ruztik Records) and Madusa (Project Blowed, L.A.) join Sir Beans on DEF - Defeat Evil Fools. The soundscape here is a surreal mix of drums, horns, bells, and vocal samples that are mashed together by Sir Beans to create a sound that seems to ooze from the shadows to reach into your mind.

With that dark vibe established the vocal trio drop lines that seem to focus on not just shadowy people but also the shadowy side of people’s characters. The side of people and the very world around us that is seldom seen and not something many really believe in. It is always this darker side reality and of people themselves that is kept quiet. We all know the shadowy nature of governments and the like but, so often we do not realise that we might live next to a racist or a paedophile, because they are so good at hiding that part of their nature from us.

With slick vocals and individual styles these emcees bring a focus to the shadows and those that live there. These people who live by pulling a veil over everyone’s eyes are the fools and now its time to Defeat Evil Fools…



 

 

AE045 – Chrome Plus

Popcorn / Pieces will align


 

Now, most of you will know the legendary figure from Norwich that is Chrome (Def Tex) but, more recently he has put together something new in Chrome Plus. More of a Hip-Hop band, Chrome Plus is Chrome providing Rap, Tom Hanna on Bass, aCivillian on Guitar and SuperJB providing the Production and Cuts etc. So, what does this all add up to on this debut…

The A side, Popcorn features production from DJar One and SuperJB, who also provides the cuts, and brings us an upbeat funky feel-good vibe. Chrome brings his classic rapid-fire vocals which uplift you even more as he breaks it down about just what he and Chrome Plus are all about and what they are bringing to the party.

This is really one of those tracks where the music does all the talking. The mix of classic Hip-Hop production and live instruments is a delight to behold. It has to be said that the addition of live guitar and bass just adds an extra dimension to the music and makes you want to listen to it over and over, again and again, because it just pumps you up and get you moving.

Flipping over to the B side for Pieces will align, production comes from Steve Ebola and SuperJB. The mix of organ notes and drums, alongside the live guitar and bass brings the kinda sound you want to nod your head to but, also has this vibe that makes you want to listen…

Chrome turns slows his pace, ever so slightly, as he delivers a deeper message. That message seems to focus on the fractured nature of reality and life around us. In nearly every aspect of life, entertainment and music, there are many facets that don’t appear to fit. It is like for every piece of perfection there is an equal or opposite imperfection. But what if we could turn back the hands of time, find those imperfections and make it that all those Pieces will align

 


 

There is no doubt that AE Productions has, once again, delivered two mighty 7” releases for our listening pleasure. On one hand we have Sir Beans OBE delivering two heavy weight tracks that pound our minds into submission, whilst on the flip side Chrome Plus brings two equally heavy tracks that raise us up and have us bouncing around one minute, then have us nodding our heads in contemplation the next.

I’d like to say more by not saying too much again, here we have two not to be missed releases that show the high calibre and depth of the UK Hip Hop scene. AE Productions is truly dropping some of the cream of UK Hip Hop and Hip Hop that well and truly has its feet solidly in the roots or real Hip Hop music.

As always AE Productions brings us stunning releases with full colour artwork and more. AE044 features artwork from Nick Pointon and is mixed and mastered by Rola (Numskullz/Aroma). AE045 features design by Leon Nockolds while SuperJB handles mixing and mastering.

Both are released tomorrow on AE Productions.

I’m out,

See Ya,

Steve.


LINKS

Buy both from the AE Productions online shop Here:

https://www.ae-productions.co.uk/shop

Chrome on Bandcamp:

https://chrome.bandcamp.com/

Sir Beans OBE on Bandcamp:

https://sirbeansobe.bandcamp.com/

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