SUB-ATOMIC BOOM
BAP
AND A FISTFUL
OF RAP
By
IMMUNE
Sub-Atomic Boom Bap and a Fistful of Rap is the debut
release from IMMUNE, the duo of Psykoid and Cylas aka the new alter egos of UK
emcee, vocalist, producer, and multi-genre spanning Remark (Psykoid) and Swiss
producer Silas (Cylas) who also mixes it up when it comes to his genres of
music.
Anyone who has followed my reviews will be well acquainted
with these two by now, both as individual artists and from their work together.
If you have not followed the reviews to date then, Why Not? Just kidding but,
you should definitely check my previous reviews.
Anyway, lets get back on track and see just what Immune has
to offer across the following eleven tracks…
The Album kicks off with The Mirror which slowly
draws you into this multi-layered sub-sonic sounding boom bap vibe from Cylas.
Psykoid takes us on a melodic trip that not only seems to ask us to truly look
at ourselves but, it also asks us to look at us as beings on this planet. What
do you see when you, your life and everything that humans have done on this
planet, to this planet and too each other, is reflected to you as you gaze deep
into the surface of The Mirror? With your mind still reeling from that initial
cerebral onslaught, grows and sonic sounds grab your attention before drums
join the sonic waves and you are opened up to the Sleeping Tiger inside
ya. Immune presents us with what at first seems like a post-apocalyptic digital
vibe but, you soon realise it is just another view of the current world
society. Everywhere you go and every situation that presents itself to you can
open up an opportunity for that sleeping tiger to be unleashed But, don’t think
this one is coming from the outside in, this sleeping tiger dwells within and
with either be unleashed on those around you or it will consume you. The choice
is yours as to which it is…
Drums and sounds like those of sirens herald the next track.
Soon keys, percussion, guitars, and more sonic sounds drop in alongside
Psykoid’s vocals. Somebody goes beyond looking at yourself in the mirror
and makes you wonder what would happen if you could wrestle with your own mind
about who you are within your own body, who you wanted or didn’t want to be and
then, just as your mind is recovering from that possibility, throws in the
realisation that one day you will transcend the human body and have no body,
where you once knew a body. This is a deep concept one that some of us already
understand but, where does it take you? Huge sonic sounds and drums invade your
mind, as the intro to The Shadow teases another cerebral conundrum. The
grimy edge to this one keeps you focused on the message. That message is all
about the self and the fact that external pressures constantly seek to keep you
down and under control but, the self needs to learn and to kick back against
those pressures and show that it will not be suppressed and will ultimately be
free to speak its truth. Synths and sonic electronic sounds take over your mind
before the pounding drums and guitars take control of your body. This is one
for the Headstrong, those who refuse to be held back and controlled by
the powers that be. They know their self-worth and have aligned with their
soul’s purpose and always move forward drawing on core beliefs and values,
staying true to the origins of their culture. They equal to all, never standing
above or below anyone but, simply being shoulder to shoulder with everyone.
Cylas gives us a sonic grime vibe on Sun Rays with
heavy bass alongside the electronic sonic sound that has your mind whirling.
There are a lot of messages packed into this one and initially you might be
forgiven for thinking this one is all about the weather but, listen a bit
deeper and you realise that the weather aspect here is just a reflection of how
the current state of society has most people feeling there are dark clouds
hanging over their heads, created by the power and money hungry few who feed on
the blood sweat and tears of the many. There is also a reference here to gun
crime but, that can be extended to knife and other violent crimes. We need to
bring back the lighter days that are filled with sun rays, stop killing each
other and make a stand against the corrupt politicians and make our voice
heard. The sub-atomic boom bap is in full effect on Demons at the Door.
The sonic sounds here really twist your mind into weird mind states as Psykoid
takes aim at all those who have no substance, no heart, and no real desire in
what they do. In music this is all those who try to sound like the next man
because their only desire is to make money but, by not bringing their true
selves to their craft, they only serve to bring more and more of their own
demons to their door, who will eventually bring them down. What is key is to be
you, to bring who you truly are, you heart and your own experience to the floor.
Do this and you can succeed in all you do, even when you try something new. Synths
and heavy drums are the basis of Balance, the pounding of the drums
really impress the message deep into your mind. That message is focused on the
fact that there are negative forces all around us in our daily life. We cannot
allow those forces to take control and we can only do that by bringing balance
to life. It’s all about us everyday people being more aware of what’s going on
around us, waking up to reality and bringing positive vibes wherever we go and
with all those we meet.
Intense digital sonic vibes invade your ears before solid
boom bap drums have you punching the air. This is exactly what Immune intended
as Exile (Fireball Flingaz) joins them to Put ‘Em Up. The energy and
intensity are ramped up here as the boys deliver a banger that is a homage to
all those who keep that real Hip Hop music and culture alive. This one is for
emcees, the writers, the DJs, and the beat makers. There is also no messing
about here and no room for the mumble and wack rappers, this is for the
hardcore headz and all the rest better just step off. An ominous cloud of
digital sonic and grimy vibes darkens the mood. Immune throw multiple
razor-sharp beats and rhymes into your body and soul ready to tear you apart.
This is The Horror, an unapologetic look at the dark side of the world
around us and it is not just the horror that we see and hear daily, it’s also
about the horrors that we don’t see like peido’s in high places and hidden agendas
such as Eugenics and population control. It’s not nice to hear but, something
we have to be aware of if we are to survive. The album ends with a deluge of Acid
Rain, pounding drums and grimy vibes pervade as the sonic sounds settle
into the background. The message here is that with everything that is setting
society on course to implode, it is important not to get caught up in the plan.
We must remember and cultivate the lost knowledge that has been torn from our
history. What will get us through is understanding that unity, balance, and the
ultimate realisation that love is the most powerful thing we have, and it can
overcome all obstacles we face.
Sub-Atomic Boom Bap and A Fistful of Rap creates this dystopian
vision of a post-apocalyptic world where we live in a digital Tron like Matrix
where we are controlled and kept subservient to some minority of evil
overlords, whom we once called governments. Is this a true representation of
where we are heading or is it just a warning? What does really become apparent
from listening to this is that it takes awakened minds to see the truth behind
what is thrust upon us everyday through the media outlets and way social media
controls what and who we see in so many ways. There is so much in this album
that asks you to be aware of what is going on around you, be yourself and
discover the true meaning of what it is to be you. Don’t get caught up in being
dragged down by the day-to-day pain, suffering and don’t be consumed by anger.
Find that peace inside you and use that peace and the core energy of love to
bring balance to the world around you.
Aside from all that Immune have also given us one hell of a
banging Hip Hop album. Yes, there are some influences from different genre’s,
some of which are more modern in their vibe but, none of that takes away from
the concept and delivery of the music. Cylas has cooked up this impressive
sound scape that has Hip Hop as its core value but, around it he merged this
musical vision of a futuristic digital age where a matrix universe and a Tron
like universe have collided releasing a devastating sonic shockwave. What this
does is to provide Psykoid with the perfect backdrop to unload his deep
penetrating lyrical onslaught. Using his intelligent and deeply knowledgeable mind
state, he delivers lyrical mastery that not only educates and invites you to
open your mind and your third eye but, his adept wordplay spins your awareness
to a place where you feel your being integrated into a digital version of
yourself like Neo in the Matrix or Dr Will Caster in Transcendence.
All in all, Sub-Atomic Boom Bap and a Fistful of Rap is both
a view of a digital dystopian future and a hugely enjoyable Hip Hop album,
merged into one that has you punching the air one minute and then expanding
beyond three dimensions, the next. Utilising stunning futuristic production and
a mix of socially, politically, and spiritually aware vocals, it takes to the
edge of reality and back again. Ultimately it invites you open your mind, be
aware and make yourself Immune…
Sub-Atomic Boom Bap and a Fistful of Rap is available now from Giftklass Labor, digitally
and on strictly limited CD and USB editions. So, grab one before the powers
that be make ‘em illegal…
Till next time, I’m out,
See Ya,
Steve
LINKS
Get the album from Immune Bandcamp Here:
https://immunemusic.bandcamp.com/album/sub-atomic-boom-bap-and-a-fistful-of-rap
VIDEOS
The Mirror
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