Album Review: Brothers of Invention by Analog Mutants

 

Brothers of Invention

By

Analog Mutants

 

The Analog Mutants aka Phill Most Chill, DJ Snafu, and DJ Grazzhoppa, have featured on the blog a few times with the singles Speak Easy/I’m On Vacation (808 Remix) from 2022, Confidence/If Ya Let ‘Em (remix) from 2023, and Titty Shaker from 2024.

The guys are now back with their double long player, Brothers of Invention, which is dropping on 23^rd November. Now, this album has been in production for over a decade and features most of the above singles, plus the album versions of I’m On Vacation and If Ya Let ‘Em.

As the Analog Mutants have featured here a few times, I’m not going to go into them this time around. However, what I will do is just give you the lowdown on the album. As always, the lyrics are by PMC and there are no features here either. Album production comes from DJ Snafu, except for Overlord of Fresh which is produced by DJ Grazzhoppa, who also brings us all the cuts on the album.

There is also Additional music from Craig Cloy on Make Way For The New Shit, Confidence, Hall of Shame, Pining (interlude), Tittyshaker, and Infinity, plus bass on I’m On Vacation by Joanne Tait. The album cover art also comes from the man Phill Most Chill.

So, with all that said, lets get into the Brothers of Invention…

Let’s kick things off by dropping the needle on Side A, which begins with Make Way For The New Shit. This one has a wicked jazz vibe that incorporates horns, bass, keys, sonic sounds, and xylophone notes, all coming together with a laid-back vibe that puts you in mind of sitting in a smoky speak easy listening to some illicit sounds. PMC opens the album by hitting us with a flow that allows to you hear every word, while still seemingly making it hard for you to follow with some incredible word play that blows you away from the get-go, wiping the slate of any expectation you might have had in favour of this new shit. Having first blown you away, its now time for the Mutants to ask you one question, Can You Feel It? This one opens with razor sharp cuts from Grazzhoppa and the kind of upbeat funky sound that makes every atom of your body move. Here PMC drops some intelligent rap vocals that brings an electric feel good vibe that makes you manna get up and bounce to the groove. This is the kind of Hip Hop that brings a huge smile to your face, and you can’t ask for more than that. Now that we are hyped up its time for the Mutants to bring a little magic to the table with a little Voodoo. Rapid drums, horns, guitars, keys, and cuts sharper than a Katana merge together at the hands of Snafu, creating a sound that hits like an injection of adrenaline. PMC gives a masterclass in fast rap but, still with enough clarity in his vocals to allow you to follow them. Detailing more about who he is and some of the awesome projects he has been a part of, and this shows what can be achieved when you constantly hone your craft, never sitting still but always moving forward. Next up we have Confidence, originally released back in 2023. I don’t think I can say it any better now than I did back then. Drums, live sax, and organ notes give you the energy that you need when you want to stick on a track to get the people out their seats. Mix with that Grazzhoppa’s knack of bringing you cuts that work seamlessly with the beat and it leaves you begging to hear what PMC has to say, which is speaking all about Confidence. It’s all about having confidence in your work and to never second guess what you do. To be good at what you do, you have to be able to recognise that and to be able to step up and say ‘Yeah, that’s me and, you know what, I am that good’ and that is something that everyone of the Analog Mutants display here, Confidence in the quality of their work. Side-A is rounded off with one of only a couple of Instrumental tracks on the album, Overlord of Fresh which is produced by DJ Grazzhoppa. Here Grazzhoppa gives us solid display of his dexterity on the One’s and Two’s over a banging drum beat. The DJ cut was once a staple of many Hip Hop album’s back in the day and here the Mutant’s bring that back in true style as Grazzhoppa shows exactly why he is the Overlord of Fresh.

Take a brief pause as you flip to Side-B, before the quiet is broken by the needle hitting the groove and I’m On Vacation bringing the energy back. The reverse sound grabs your awareness, briefly, before things get back on track and the drums, keys, bass and more bring and upbeat south American sound that has an infectious edge and gets your body moving. PMC gets on the mic, switching between flows, really going off on one. He appears to not be giving it much thought but, you know that’s not the case because even when you’re on vacation and having a good time, you can still bring the slick wordplay, on ice. So, order another round of summer anthem vibes, and while you’re enjoying yourself, what better than a bit of Freeform Freestylin’. Here horns and a heavy beat create the background sound with Grazz on the cut, bringing a sound that gets you out your seat pumping the air. This might not be an actual freestyle, but PMC gives us a supreme display of what it is to drop some incredible witty wordplay that leaves you as breathless as is sounds, Mic Drop. From here it’s time for one for the Breakers with Leroy Brown. This one has an energetic sound of drums, bass and guitars, which really gets you fired up and wanting to hit the floor. PMC kind of flips the story of Bad, Bad Leroy Brown by Jim Croce, from a story of a feared man getting bested in a fight, to one of an emcee with a b-boy sound. This one feels like a story of a dangerous emcee who pulls no punches and delivers his wordplay with a deadly precision that takes out all comers. As you are digesting energy of what has just gone, you’re hit with another freestyle track, the Allergies Freestyle. This one has an upbeat sound of drums, sampled vocal sounds, and cuts, creating a sound that seems to fire you up more than you realise, mixing the Analog Mutants and the Allergies. PMC drops a freestyle with clever wordplay that is so on point it’s hard to believe this is just off the top of his head. With your head still nodding from that freestyle goodness, there is a new sound coming, and that is the sound of Drones, where heavy basslines and synth sounds merge to bring a sound that fits with a digital age vibe. PMC opens up on the worrying trends of the digital age, where everything we do and everywhere we go can be monitored by those around us and the authorities. We are living in an age where we have less and less privacy in our day to day lives. Side-B is rounded off with the instrumental track Analog Mutation, where our minds are sent into a spin with mix of drums, sonic sounds, cuts, and sampled sound bites that create this cut n’ paste vibe that focuses on the mutation of analog sounds into something new, is this the origin of the Analog Mutants perhaps…

 

Time for another brief pause as you flip to the second vinyl record and slowly drop the needle onto Side-C. The crackle gives way to Grazzhoppa on the cut and a huge slice of Hip Hop funk vibes drawing you back into the album with If Ya Let ‘Em. Here we find PMC schooling us to the fact that we all need to watch our own backs, keeping ourselves safe from those who might directly or indirectly cause us harm, and those might even be with the circle of our own family and friends. At the end of the day, you have to look out for number one, first and foremost, because others can only hurt you if are the one that lets them. Next up its time to take it back on that vacation tip with the I’m On Vacation Freestyle. The beat here has a grittier edge and is ferociously cut up by Grazzhoppa but, as the track progresses there are twists and turns ending up with the pace being dialled down a few notches. PMC goes all in showing that on vacation, it’s ok to go all in and just enjoy yourself with lyrics. He also keeps his flows perfectly in time with all those twists and turns on the beat. After all the fun of another freestyle, it’s now time to Rock On On On with the Analog Mutants. This one has wicked upbeat feel that mashes up a solid drum beat with a mix of guitar vibes and more that seem to incorporate different styles rock vibes and maybe even a hint of a bluesy sound too; a sound that really gets the dopamine going, and all the while Grazzhoppa cuts up classic Hip Hop samples to keep you rocking. PMC name drops some of the biggest inspirations to his music, and to Hip Hop in general. He mixes it up some slick wordplay that keeps you rocking alongside the beat. It was the sampling and cutting up of songs from these artist that formed some of the most iconic hip hop tracks of all time, so what better way to pay homage to that than with this track right here. Hall of Shame is an instrumental cut that hits with a full on blues vibe with a heavy drum beat, keys, horns, and a vocal sample that puts you in mind of the likes of Muddy Waters, B. B. King and the like. This one is one of those that you could chill with on repeat for hours. After that deep sound Anger brings a jazzy vibe to proceedings with a multi-layered sound that hits on many levels but gets the adrenaline rising all the same. The lyrics reflect that rise in adrenaline with PMC speaking on the subject of anger in a way that reflects the power and energy of that emotion. The wordplay has a heavy flow and content that shows how we can all be pushed to the point of no return, exploding with a wave of physical and verbal expressions. Side-C is rounded of with the Pining (Interlude) a short instrumental that mixes horns, bass, and much more into an upbeat sound that brings a smile to your face as it puts you in mind of comedic spooky vibe like the Addams Family.

Now we have our final little pause as we flip the final to the final side, Side-D. As the record spins and the needle begins its journey it all kicks off with the single Speak Easy, from way back in 2022. This one is a jazzy and funk filled uplifting vibe of drums and horns from Snafu, all topped off by Grazzhoppa’s classic razor-sharp cuts. This one really gets you in the mood to move as PMC hits the stage with some slick verses, easily flipping between flows and showing a masterful level of being comfortable in his wordplay. It also shows that regardless of lyrical content or beat, he can just speak easy on any track, and his verbal mastery is at such a high level that other emcee’s need to beware. The latest single from the Mutants follows as 2024’s Tittyshaker drops in your face. This one has an upbeat funky vibe that features guitars, keys, and horns, which brings an infectious sound that injects movement into your body and a smile onto your face. The beat fits perfectly with PMC’s tongue-in-cheek lyrics that not only reflect the title but, serve as a fun filled ode to the female form. Well, actually one particular aspect of the female form, which I’m sure hadn’t escaped your gaze. An energy fuelled sound that is one of those, just for fun tracks that everyone will enjoy bouncing to in the clubs and beyond. After listening to that, you might just be thinking WTF Was That, and what that is, is the next track. The beat here finds a funky guitar vibe taking the forefront and the drum beat almost taking a back seat but, there are so many aspects and changes to the beat here, it’s almost hard to keep up. However, the sound is upbeat and gets you moving and enjoying what you’re hearing. PMC has fun here creating some truly comedic verses that will have you rolling around and thinking exactly what the title suggests. Its now time for this sides and the albums penultimate cut, Abused. The beat here has a jazz funk sound that has guitar and key elements alongside the drum beat, giving an upbeat sound that gets your head nodding and your toes tapping. This one is a tale of the abuse suffered by one of a DJs vinyl record collection. How it began life as a pristine example, straight out the wrapper. But time and repeated plays have caused the cover to fade and became tattered, the vinyl itself becoming scratched, dirty, and the sound not what it used to be. Your first listen of this might take you to a different place but, if you take the time to really H.E.R you will get where I, and PMC of course, are going with this. Cracking lyricism right here. The album ends with Infinity, a funky little number that ends the album on high energy note as Snafu brings this wicked sound of drums, horns, organ, and bass notes, which gives you the kind of energy boost you need. This one really shows how to round off an album by bringing all elements of the Analog Mutants together as Grazzhoppa brings the cuts and PMC drops the kind of lyrics and wordplay that makes you realise that once you create one mutant species, those mutations will continue to evolve and multiply for, well Infinity…

Once you come back down to earth from the last hour, you realise just what ride you have been on with the Analog Mutants. Twelve years of formulation, testing and experimentation has created a double album that could just as easily be described as two single albums or 4 EP’s, but what is truly apparent here is that you cannot rush quality and Brothers of Invention is an album of such quality that it has to be at the top, or very close to it, of anyone’s albums of 2025.

When you have a group that is composed of an international collective of this nature it is bound to produce Hip Hop of a quality that once more proves that real Hip Hop is alive and kicking, but more than that it has mutated in the form of the Analog Mutants, a group that could be the future of Hip Hop, in some way or another.

I have probably said it before but, here are three artists that have proven themselves within Hip Hop music. DJ Snafu brings production that is totally on point, pushing the boundaries of the sound but, still keeping its foundations intact. He brings a wealth of inspirational sound to the table, then mixes them together in the way any mad professor might do to create the perfect mutation. DJ Grazzhoppa has been in the game for many years and has the experience to craft the perfect cuts for any situation. He also has production qualities that brings an extra notch to his belt, and we have not even mentioned his work with DJ Grazzhoppa’s Big Band. This guy is able to chop, slice and splice any beat or sample to bring hidden abilities to any mutation. Then, last but not least Phill Most Chill brings legendary status emceeing to the laboratory. His ability to craft complex wordplay from even the craziest lyrics and flows has seen him being one of the most influential emcees out there in recent years. This puts him in the perfect place to bring additional dimensions to the laboratory and hence, giving any mutation the qualities most can only dream of.

Brothers of Invention is a release that builds on the foundations of real Hip Hop music giving the listener an experience that will speak to both the new listener and the seasoned veteran of Hip Hop music. There is so much here that can be enjoyed time and time again, never getting old and probably giving you something new to hear with each listen.

The other thing is something that I like to reiterate time and again, that groups like the Analog Mutants solidify the international reach of Hip Hop. Something that unites people the world over with a love for music whose foundations were built on raising people up and bringing them together.

 

Brothers of Invention is released through Nobody Buys Records digitally right now with limited edition vinyl out around 23^rd November. The limited edition vinyl comes in four colour variations with artwork from Phill Most Chill, and these are selling quick, so don’t sleep on them.

 

My huge thanks to DJ Snafu for the chance to bring this one to you.

I’ll see you next time,

Well, it might be me or a mutation of me…

See Ya,

Steve.

LINKS

Grab your copy from one of these places:

https://nobodybuysrecords.bigcartel.com/products

https://nobodybuysrecords.bandcamp.com/merch

Analog Mutants Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/analogmutants/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076861993571

Nobody Buys Records Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/NobodyBuysRecords

https://www.instagram.com/nobodybuysrecords/

https://nobodybuysrecords.bigcartel.com/nobody-buys-records

VIDEOS

If Ya Let 'Em - Lyric Video

I'm On Vacation Freestyle - Lyric Video

Leroy Brown - Lyric Video

Drones - Lyric Video

Album Review: Undiluted by Cymarshall Law Produced by Ramson Badbonez

 

UNDILUTED

By

Cymarshall Law

Prod. By Ramson Badbonez

 

I really like it when a label goes that extra mile to promo a release, and here Nuke Fam Records have done that for this release. They sent the Nuke Fam Mag Vol One to those who had previously purchased a release from them as a way to fully promote Undiluted from East Coast US Emcee Cymarshall Law and UK legendary emcee and producer Ramson Badbonez.

The Nuke Fam Mag Vol One really gets you hyped up for this release with a review from the one and only Craig Killa Tapes aka Grimee Quick (which I decided not to read prior to this review), some great pics of the artwork and artists, plus an interview with Cymarshall Law; I’ll put a link to the full interview on YouTube below.

Now, I have featured Ramson Badbonez on the blog before with my review of his producer album, Lead By Example, and a number of features too. Based in London, he has been one of the UK’s most prolific emcees in recent years. He also turned his hand to production in 2021 with the afore mentioned Lead By Example, further cementing his legendary status in the UK and further afield.

In fact, it was Lead By Example that also gave me my first introduction, on the blog, to Cymarshall Law, who appeared on the track Reservoir Dogs. Born in Luton UK, he moved to the US when he was just nine years old. His career would be instigated as he watched his older brother Skits Slam’s own career evolve. But it would be at age seventeen that he would get his break joining the group Everlivin Sound, on the advice of another UK ex-pat, the one and only MF DOOM (R.I.E.P). The New Jersey based emcee is now one of the East Coast heavy hitters and joining forces with one the UK greats, seems a natural progression.

The album also has some cracking features to with Ramson Badbonez himself picking up the mic alongside appearances from Leaf Dog, DJ Phillip Lee, Pacewon, and DJ Jazz T. Showing that this one is a true slice of Hip Hop that spans the oceans.

Anyway, with all that said, I think it’s now time to get into the album…

 

So, Side A (Yeah, I’m gonna give you the review as it you were listening to the vinyl, if that’s OK), kicks things off with Free Like A Breeze, an intro that hits you hard with pounding drum breaks and more, swirling in your head like the trailer for a movie. The vocals here seem to float alongside the sound, and the more you listen, the more they seem to be opening your mind, preparing you for what’s to come, and you are not left waiting as Ramson Badbonez picks up the mike alongside Cymarshall Law for My Opening. This one immediately injects some adrenaline into your system getting you bouncing from the get-go with an infectious sound you can’t ignore. Cymarshall and Ransom trade verses here, flexing their lyrical muscles, with the kind of intricate wordplay that gets you all fired up while systematically having your brain rewired. So, with your body now bouncing and your mind spinning we move on to Hymphony (Going In), which has this banging funk vibe to it with funked up drums and guitars getting you moving in a whole new way. Cymarshall Law takes the gloves off here, demonstrating that this is some real Hip Hop right here as he alludes to the B-Girls, B-Boys and the graff writers, before unloading a salvo that takes out the competition in true rap style. It’s all about going in with everything you got and standing tall so that everyone can see that you have the skill to back up the braggadocio, the way rappers threw down back in the day, and this is throwing down for a new era. Just as all that is sinking in DJ Phillip Lee steps up to the One’s and Two’s, cutting it up alongside Cymarshall Law while Ramson Badbonez drops a heavy beat that is mixed with chilled keys, giving this one a laid-back sound that still has your head nodding. Burning It Up embraces that slightly laid-back sound as this one is all about mixing up the rap vocals with more that hit or two from a certain medicinal plant that many enjoy, and one that just happens to, as Cymarshall cleverly points out, have ‘the same colour as Raekwon’s tape’ alluding to limited first edition tape version of ‘Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…’ which was purple in colour. You also can’t escape some of the classic vocal samples that are cut into this one too, adding to the rawness of that boombap sound. Emerald Tablet brings strings to bear on this before the beat kicks in elevates the adrenaline levels. This one speaks on being authentic in this modern era, a time when the rise of AI and digital media makes it easy for people to create something that they don’t have to think much about. Cymarshall states he is the ‘Emerald Tablet among iPads’, the Emerald Tablet being a cryptic text from 8^th or 9^th century CE that is attributed to Hermes Trismegistus. This shows the difference between something created by someone thousands of years ago, from knowledge alone, as opposed to a digital construct that allows people to create something without too much thought. Creating something that is truly authentic allows people to connect with you in different ways, giving depth and feeling to what you do. Side-A ends with One Warning, which features another legendary UK figure in Leaf Dog. Heavy Drums and horns give this one a sound that seems to seep into the very core of your being. This one seems to have that vibe of how things change from when you were younger to the present day. When you were young you got just one warning about things and that set up on how things played out as you grew but, these days it seems that people need to have things repeated to them over again, there is not the respect there used to be. Maybe I’m not getting the right message but, I really felt that as I listened, that there was this air of giving respect to those for what they have achieved.

So, spinning over to Side-B, we are straight back into it with Shell Toes. Here the drum break and horns give this one soundtrack vibe, elevating the sound a couple of levels and getting you jumping, forget the bouncing. Now, you might think from the title that this one is going to be a homage to the classic Adidas sneakers but, this one goes above and beyond that with the Shell Toes being a symbol of what this is all about, which is all about what you put into what you do. The Shell Toes have always been synonymous with Hip Hop and here it’s all about constantly putting in the work and elevating your craft, constantly pushing yourself to be the best you can be. Better Win brings a new sound to your ears, with new percussion vibes, chilled basslines and sonic sounds that seem to get you floating along giving more attention to the vocals. There is this kind of faint ragga air mixed into to this one too especially with the way Cymarshall Law drops his vocals. As you listen to this you get the feeling that this one is all about not sitting back and getting too comfortable to being in one flow, one style, one vibe, It’s all about keeping it fresh and delivering real lived experience that the listener can associate with and focusing on the best possible outcome in life. With that thought in mind, we move on to the Tables Turning, Where the drums pound but, the multi-layered background sound has a more lo-fi vibe that gives you a sound to chill to. This one gave me chills as it really focused on the fact that Hip Hop, the Real Hip Hop, is coming back, silencing the critics and proving that the roots have always been there and are still inspiring people to bring it back. It is something that I have felt in a lot of the music that I review, I know that real Hip Hop is still out there, regardless of the views of so many, including the internet critics. This one really mirrors my feeling on the culture, and that is what gave me those chills. Next up is Aurora where Ramson Badbonez ups the pace a bit with a banging beat that is backed with organ and more giving you sound that really gets the adrenaline moving. Cymarshall Law gives us a solid display of raw Hip Hop braggadocio, taking self-expression to new heights and giving us the kind of track that just makes you nod your head for the quality of the wordplay. We now come to the penultimate track of the album, Dust Settles, where the drums and accompanying keys, give us this deep sound that gets you moving while vibrating through you to the core. When you hit the game with force, you are going to kick up a lot of dust, and right here Cymarshall Law is unloading plenty of verbal lead, causing huge amounts of dust to be kicked up in the process. This means that many will fall by the wayside in the face of such an onslaught and begs the question, just who will be left standing when the Dust Settles. After such a powerful statement, you might think that’s the end of the album, but no, there is one bonus track left, which is Here I Am featuring Pacewon, DJ Jazz T on the cut, and bass from JCA. Ramson Badbonez rounds things off with a solid banger hits with some heavy pounding beats with some background sounds that give this one an edge that seems to weigh on you from all sides. This one sees our two emcees trading verses in a blistering display of wordplay that goes to prove, in one three minute track, that Hip Hop is well and truly alive and kicking.

 

The first thing that strikes you about this album is the feeling of just how raw it feels. It makes you feel that what went into making this was pure unadulterated passion for expressing the essence of true Hip Hop music. It might not have some of the deep conscious vibes that a lot of Hip Hop is displaying right now but, what is does display is a deep desire to strip things down and give the listener a raw display of what Hip Hop wordplay and the sound is all about. 

What Cymarshall Law and Ramson Badbonez have done here is to perfectly display a mix of production and rap that encapsulates exactly what Hip Hop music is, while also demonstrating their own, individual abilities.

Cymarshall Law shows what being a heavy hitter is all about by displaying a talent for slick and intricate wordplay while being able switch that across a range of flows that keep the listener engaged not matter what he is saying along the way. His technique just seems to blow you away, especially as it shows his deep love and appreciation for rap and the whole Hip Hop culture.

Ramson Badbonez shows that an emcee can use that knowledge of wordplay and flow to craft beats that work perfectly for bringing focus to an emcee’s words, while still giving the listener an enjoyable experience. Plus, his production is, at times, as intricate as the wordplay that he himself is so adept at.

When you put these two together, they perfectly complement each other in a way that brings a new wave of appreciation and love for that true Hip Hop sound. As you listen to the album you get this feel that each has their own deep love and passion for Hip Hop and that is what brings that authentic sound to entire album. There is not one track here that does not exude that same passion and desire to bring that real Hip Hop sound to your ear. In fact, to a point here I almost forgot to mention how good the features are because each one of those features bring their own energy to the mix but, also, they bring their own love of that real Hip Hop sound, and that is why they work so well here because they all have one thing that binds them together.

Overall, there is not much more I can say except that Undiluted is a passionate and raw homage to Hip Hop and its sound. This album shows that Hip Hop is a sound that is universally recognised and unites people and nations the world over. So, no matter what you take from this album, what it says to you or how much you enjoy it, remember that one thing it has always stood for, Unity…

My huge thanks to Eskar at Nuke Fam Records for giving me that chance to bring you my take on this truly outstanding album.

 

Undiluted is out today and available on limited edition clear vinyl and cassette copies plus, digital of course. So go grab your copy now…

 

I’ll see ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab your copy Here:

https://nukefamrecords.bandcamp.com/album/undiluted

Cymarshall Law Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/cymarshall.law.2025

https://www.instagram.com/cymarshalllaw/

Ramson Badbonez Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/ramson.badbonez

https://www.instagram.com/ramson_badbonez/

Nuke Fam Records Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069127714724

https://www.instagram.com/nukefamrecords/

VIDEOS

Cymarshall Law Interview

 

 

Album Review: About Time by Lomax

 

About Time

By

LOMAX

 

About Time is the debut solo release from one of Lancashire’s finest emcees Lomax. Now, over the years, Lomax has been no stranger to the blog. His first appearance was as a guest on Dweller’s Record of Achievement, way back in January of 2020, following that he appeared as one half of the Obslites, alongside Karlow (now Areli) with debut Surplus To Requirements, and later as one of T.H.E.M. alongside Seek The Northerner, Bruva Smokes, and Karlow (Areli), on their debut album Outside The Box from 2023, and that’s just to name a few.

Before we get into the album, lets get a little more background on the emcee from Wigan. His musical journey began aged Ten when he began playing the drums, which led to him playing drum’s for the school orchestra. Later he would start recording rap demos using a four track tape recorder at school. Following on from this he would go on to a formal schooling in music and a career in education, as well as playing guitar and keys. He produces his own beats using a combination of software and real instruments.

He blew up on the UK Hip Hop scene in 2020 winning the ‘Shotgun the Bars’ competition. Then a link up with Micall Parknsun and support for the Beatnuts and Jeru The Damaja, plus a string of live performances alongside DJ Woody, would see him quickly make waves, catching the eyes of his peers. He would also feature alongside the legendary Blak Twang on the album ‘Going Up’.

About Time features concepts that are as diverse as his musical influences, with deep storylines and conspiracy theories, showcasing his skills to the fullest. The album is also produced by Micall Parknsun and features appearances from C.O.N. Vers, COSM, Verbz, BxBarian, Karlow, and Jabbthakut. Being released through Live From The Groove, there is this feeling that all in all it promises to be something special.

So, all that said, I think its about time for me to take you on a deep dive into About Time…

 

As the hands of time begin to move, the album starts off with In The Meantime, which mixes melodic keys with a solid beat that has your head nodding once the intro has got you understanding that the sun and moon are constants, and will always be there as a symbol of the passage of time. As an intro, this one goes beyond just being a demonstration of his abilities and what Lomax is about. This one explores the fact that we are all prisoner within the manmade construct of time. Without time, we would live only by the passage of the sun and the moon. So, now you have an insight into the skills Lomax is bringing to the table, its time to keep moving forward with So Cold. Here Parky raises the bar and your pulse rate with a heavy beat that is backed with bass and strings, all of which combine to bring a sound that gets you punching the air. Lomax also raises things up by upping the flow rate and giving us bars that begin to show the depth of the subject matter he is touching on. As you listen, trying to keep pace with the word flow, you realise that not only is Lomax cold in what he delivers but, he is likely to freeze you to the core. Take Time sees C.O.N. Vers make is first appearance on track that has a dark edge with the heavy beat backed by strings that sound like a deadly swarm of bees, there are also some eerie piano notes dropping in that add to the uneasy feeling. This one is all about the fact that, to things properly, you need to take your time. Don’t rush into things thinking you can just get done. Do that and everything you do will end up being forgotten or remembered for the wrong reasons but, take you time with all you do, and you can’t fail to produce something that will stay in peoples minds or become locked in their unconscious memory waiting for the right time to be brought back into conscious recall. Next, COSM steps up for the Freakshow where the drum break, strings, and horns bring a sound that is heavy but also tests your nerves. With the sound testing your nerves, you might find that the lyrics and the delivery test your mind so, keep your wits about you. Here its all about delivering complex lyrics that test the resolve of the artist as much as they test the ears of the listener. When you take your time to write and deliver your very best, it is without doubt that those words may invade your sleep and perhaps even take on a mind of their own. Perhaps it’s deeper than that, maybe the words have always been there, waiting for the right time to seize your subconscious and explode into the third dimensional world. Maybe they were just too much for the mind of the reviewer? Things seem to ease back a little with The Whirlwind as the beat is a little more relaxed but, by no means any less heavy. The strings create a musical emulation of what a whirlwind sounds like, spinning your mind around but, not in a dangerous way. Lomax also eases back on the flow rate but still putting your head in a spin as you rotate through three hundred and sixty degrees, trying to figure out which perspective is the best one to view this from as Lomax delivers a complex array of bars that feel like they were created by a blast from HAARP.

You come out of this spin to the knowledge that, providing you are listening to this on vinyl, that it is time to flip over to the other side. As you do so, Verbz joins Lomax for the Butterfly Effect, with Jabbathakut on the cuts. Here the beat is backed by organ notes that create this laid-back sound which almost has you swaying along to the sound as the lyrics take to the forefront. On first listen you might not fully grasp this one but, as you listen you realise that its all about cause and effect and how the smallest action has the potential to affect something on the other side of the world, or it can affect everything in your life from that moment on. It is humbling to look back and realise that something as small as leaving you house or not on day many years ago, can have a huge effect on where you are now. From something so deep we keep moving forward with Same Old, where horns and strings back a laid-back drum beat to bring a sound that seems to have a reflective edge. As we traverse our life in this time and space, there are moments when things just seem to come back around, time and again. These are the moments when we feel it’s the same old things happening, just a different moment in time, or perhaps we are destined to experience these moments, over and over again until we find their meaning and what it has to teach us, an interesting thought! Codebreakers sees BxBarian join us for the first time and brings back C.O.N. Vers one last time. The beat is a little heavier here with piano notes that gives this one a more focused air to it. The art of code breaking is to take something that appears to be nonsensical and then to find the pattern that fits, making it spill its secrets. There are a lot of things in plain sight these days that appear to be giving us one answer when in fact it hides something far different and even sinister, and this is what the guys are doing here is to open up on breaking down what is out there and not to get entangled in the lies. In doing so, they create their own code that is embedded in their lyrics. We come to the penultimate track of the album, Angels & Demons, where an air of uneasiness is created by the melodic drum break which is backed by an eerie mix of sounds that open you up to extreme possibilities. Here Lomax explores the concepts of good and evil, not just as supernatural beings but, what exists within the world around us and within us. I guess that what occurs to you here is that one can does not exist without the other. So, for all the evil you see around you or even inside you, there is equal or better there too, you just have to believe and to see it. The album rounds off with Modus Operandi which features BxBarian and Karlow alongside Lomax with cuts by Jabbathakut. Organ notes and a hefty beat give this a sound that gets you nodding along while systematically twisting your mind. This one focuses on the way people operate or behave, something that doesn’t just reflect how each of the artist work but, also relates to everyone we interact with and see in the world around us. Each of us has our own ways of doing things, and I don’t want to speculate on things here and start talking about my own habits but each of you reading this and listening to the album will know what I’m referring to here; we also see it in those around us or what we see on the TV etc. This is a very deep concept to consider, especially when you think how people can behave differently in how they present to the world as opposed to what their goals are behind the mask…

What is immediately striking about the album is the fact that Lomax has crafted some highly intelligent and deeply complex lyrics that can twist and turn how you interpret them with each listen. Especially when you take into account your own experiences in life. I don’t know if that was intentional but, when you take into account the concepts of time and space that are interwoven you get this feeling that it would be interesting to be able to experience this album in multiple dimensions all at once. Just to see how differently it speaks to you, or is that a bit much…

Something I do want to point out here is the concept of quality over quantity. Now, it might have taken Lomax five years to bring us a solo album but, when that album has the quality that this one does, it speaks more about his approach to his craft that anything. He could have put out, album after album since 2020, taking advantage of his explosion onto the scene but, instead, he has taken the time to gain experience, hone his craft and then delver an album that immediately sets the bar high for anything else that comes after.

Working with Micall Parknsun is a credit too because he brings years of quality production knowledge to the table, and he is able to perfectly match the right beats with the right emotive feeling to emulate what Lomax is putting across in his lyrics. Which is no mean feat when those lyrics are as deep as they are here. When you then add in a sprinkling of guest appearances who each add their own depth and quality to the mix it just makes everything work so well, with everyone complimenting each other. Plus, when you put Jabbathakut in the mix, it just kind of brings it all together in one cohesive bond.

To be perfectly honest, this is one of those albums that you could spend hours talking on the nature of some of the concepts and just how well the intellectual and complex nature of the lyrics fit so well with those concepts. You could not make an album of this nature with out spending the time to craft it to perfection, and this is pretty close to perfection right here. But, I’ll leave it up to you to make your own mind up, because for me About Time is not just a banger, it’s a cerebral experience that speak on a whole other level for you, than it did me, so enjoy this one time and again.

My humble thanks go to Lomax and to Dweller at Live From The Groove for giving me the time to get into this one and bring you my own spookily deep dive.

About Time is released today on Live From the Groove and is available on limited Edition Black Vinyl, CD and Cassette versions but, be quick as I’m pretty sure they won’t be around for long.

 

I’ll see ya next time,

Steve.

LINKS

Grab your copy Here:

https://livefromthegroove.bandcamp.com/album/about-time

Here is your one link for all things LOMAX:

https://linktr.ee/lomaxland

Live From The Groove link tree:

https://linktr.ee/livefromthegroove

EP Review: Back On My Square by Bunitdwn

 

Back On My Square

By

Bunitdwn

 

Back On My Square is the debut release from Bunitdwn, an emcee out of Luton. He both produced and wrote the EP himself, which was released back at the end of September. Now I know there may be a lot of you out there that might not be aware of this guy so, the best way you can get a feel for what he is all about is to join me on a deep dive into the EP.

So, let’s get into it…

 

It all kicks off with Dnt Jls Me, which hits with a heavy drum beat over which are these chilled keys which gives this one a laid-back vibe but, with enough bounce to get your head nodding. There is no haste on this from Bunitdwn but, a sense that there is a passion for the Hip Hop sound. It gives you a window into what he is all about and how he sees the world around him and music scene. You get the feeling that this one is saying to you not to judge him for his views because this is just how he sees things, and we don’t all have to agree all the time. Plus, with the name drops in this one, you just know this guy has his finger on the pulse of what is real Hip Hop. Next up, we move on to Get Money and here operatic vocal samples back another solid beat, giving this a more head nod vibe but, with an element that makes you makes you want to take note of the vocals. Here we find Bunitdwn taking aim at the capitalist economy and the things that people do to make money. Some people do what they do just to survive, while others do it for power and wealth. We live in a society where the rich get richer off of the backbreaking work of the majority. So, it is not surprising that people try to find ways to make a little extra that the powers that be can not take from them but, it is a harsh world where it is best to believe in who you are and not trust the words of those who are trying to control you with fear.

Helix brings a more LoFi sound with a chilled beat that is backed by melodic piano vibes, making you want to close your eyes and let the sound and words flow through you. This one speaks on depth and the realness with which Bunitdwn speaks on the mic. Its all about listening and taking in those words and understanding their strength and their message. Because too many times words are heard. But not listened to, and that leads to things being twisted and misunderstood. So, the message here is not to twist things, like the shape of the DNA double Helix but, to just see them for what they are, because when you twist things, the real meaning is lost. From there we move on to Keyless Entry where bass, piano vibes and sampled vocals give this one a real soulful vibe. This one is one of those unapologetic tracks that looks at love, the connection between two people and how it can have its ebbs, and it’s flows, challenges that test your resolve to the extreme, but all this touches you deeply in a way that you never forget. We often think that someone can have the key to your heart, but in truth, the right one needs no key as you allow them in freely. In fact, this could also be a love song for Hip Hop itself. If you are one of those who have been touched by the music, the culture, then you will know that it can also touch you in that way too…

As we move into the final two tracks of the EP, the penultimate track is Trauma Bonding. Organ sounds and a pounding beat bring a sound that tweaks your nerves as it hits you to the core. The subject of this track is not something that I have never heard covered before. Trauma Bonding is where an emotional attachment can lead to an abusive relationship, often where people have a shared trauma. This is something that I can associate with as I have seen this happen to someone close to me and so there is the possibility that I may miss the mark a little on this one but, hearing it described in such a way by Bunitdwn does give you an insight that few of us will ever get when we think of this situation. This one you just have to feel to really understand. The final track is Junction 11 where horns mix with another heavy beat to get your head nodding. This one seems to serve as an outro with the tracks consisting simply of a conversation between friends, reminiscing over times gone by and where they are now. It kind of just grounds you in the now, reminding you that it is so valuable to surround yourself with the right kinds of friends.

 

When you are not sure what to expect from a release, it can often catch you unawares with the depth of the feeling that is put into the music that you hear, and Back On My Square could be one of those for you, I know that for me it did have quite a deep feeling to it. There was this air that there was a passion and desire to bring some strong stories and messages to the table, ones that make you really think when you hear them. You also really feel the passion he has for the Hip Hop sound; you can really feel the roots of real Hip Hop music embedded in every track.

 Bunitdwn has a very solid and intellectual base with his wordplay, keeping things relatable and communicating everything in a way where you can hear every word and feel the depth of the emotion contained within. This gives such a great foundation for what is to come, whether he keeps his production and writing on a solo basis or if he decides to work alongside other producers; the future really does look exciting for him.

In his promo he states that Bunitdwn, or Burn It Down, is pretty much his sentiments towards the music industry, political landscape, Mic Booths, freestyle cyphers, etc, and you can really feel that in here. What I also liked was the fact that there is no ego here, he does what he does just for the love of Hip Hop and that is something I have a lot of respect for. I mean, we all like to make money but, that’s not the main reason we do what we do.

I do feel that this is one EP that you need to give the time to. Have a listen and see if you get a vibe anywhere close to what I did.

The only thing I did find was that I needed to tweak my volume sound equalisation as my headphones seemed to find the sound a little heavy at times, which is probably just the limitation of what I am using but, that did not take away from my enjoyment of the EP.

 

Back On My Square is out everywhere now and my huge thanks to Bunitdwn for giving me the chance to bring you something new.

 

Till Next Time,

See Ya.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab your copy here:

https://bunitdwn.bandcamp.com/album/back-on-my-square

One link for Bunitdwn:

https://linktr.ee/bunitdwn

VIDEOS

Dnt Jls Me

 

 

 

 

 

 

Single Review: Opportunity Knocks by Paavo & Hugo Monster

Opportunity Knocks

By

Paavo & Hugo Monster

 

 

This is the recent release on AE Productions, and it brings you some exclusive versions of the track Opportunity Knocks, from the upcoming LP release of the same name.

This one is a collaboration between Californian emcees Paavo & Hugo Monster, with production from J & Mo (aka DJ J-Man (Cut Beetlez) and DJ Mo’ Money. This one comes in a dope 7” at 33.3rpm package and features four exclusive mixes from J & Mo, Jazz Spastiks, The Process (aka Ollie Teeba & Jonny Cuba), and Charlie Tate.

So, sit back and join me as I take you through each one of these remixes.

It all kicks off on Side A with DJ Mo Money’s In-House Remix. This one features production from J & Mo and cuts from DJ J-Man. This one has a wicked jazz hop vibe with an infectious beat that is alongside a dope mix of horns and piano that immediately gets you moving to sound. The message from Paavo & Hugo Monster is simple, when opportunity knocks, you have to seize the moment and make the most of it, because if you let that moment go, you might not get another. That moment might seem small, or it might appear to be huge and overwhelming but, don’t think about it, even for a moment, grab it and go with it and show everyone exactly what you are made of. They do this with the use of slick wordplay and the kind of flows that get you hooked and bouncing’.

Next up is the Jazz Spastiks Remix and this one, in true Jazz Spastiks style, takes the track to another level. They give this one a more chilled edge by softening the vocals slightly and using xylophone and horns, alongside a sweet head nod beat to give you type of sound that makes you just want to kick back and chill to this one, but still with enough energy to keep you moving.

Time to flip the wax to Side B and first up here is the World Expo Remix from The Process, otherwise known as Ollie Teeba and Jonny Cuba (Soundsci). As you can probably guess, the guys give this one a pure slice of Hip Hop with wicked beat, organ notes, cuts and more. Mix all that together and you get a sound that amps up the adrenaline levels and has you jumping around before you know it.

Last up is the Jazzual Suspects Remix which comes from Charlie Tate aka The Jazzual Suspects (Colossus, Monkey Business, The Big Cheese All Stars, etc). Here, horns and piano vibes merge with some sweet drums to give you a deep Jazz sound that puts you in mind of sitting in dark, smoky club, just drinking in the sounds as you casually nod a long…

 

Here we have four different versions of one track, each one gives the words from Paavo and Hugo Monster, a different platform or stage if you will. Each mix does not take away or change the message of seizing the moment but, what does happen is that each remix just subtlety changes how that message is delivered. You have the jazz infused, punchy delivery with DJ Mo Money’s In-House Remix, then the more laid-back sound of the Jazz Spastiks Remix. The Process, once again, give us a more hard hitting delivery with the World Expo Remix, before we get chilled out once more with the Jazzual Suspects Remix. Each side of this 45 starts us off on a high before bringing us back down again, rather that just have one side with two hard hitting vibes and one with the more chilled ones. It makes for a more varied listening experience that keeps you on your toes.

 

With the long player coming in the not too distant future, this single gives us solid feel of what to expect, especially if you know of the previous work from J & Mo and/or Paavo and Hugo Monster. This is a cracking release from AE Productions and is, as always, the full package with full colour cover with a collage from Zoë Douglas-Cain and design and layout from Darrell Krum, just to finish things off.

If you don’t have this one or have not heard it yet, then you need to get on this one pronto. It’s definitely not one to sleep on.

Huge thanks to Mr Fantastic and DJ J-Man for letting me bring this one to you and keep watch for the album, coming soon…

I’ll see ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab your copy of the Single Here:

https://www.ae-productions.co.uk/product-page/paavo-hugo-monster-opportunity-knocks-7-ep-1

https://aeproductions.bandcamp.com/album/opportunity-knocks

Social Media Links:

https://www.instagram.com/paavomusic/

https://www.facebook.com/therealhugomonster

https://www.instagram.com/hugomonstah/

https://www.instagram.com/jandmo/

https://www.instagram.com/ae_productions_uk/

Album Review: Diggin In Outer Space by KISTA

 

Diggin’ in Outer Space

By

KISTA

 

Diggin In Outer Space marks the first time I have had KISTA on the blog, and not before time too. Kista is a self-confessed vinyl junkie, producer, and Graff writer. He is also the owner of Soundweight Records, on which this is released. The album is his latest release in a career that spans the last two decades and features many standout releases such as ‘Collecting Dust’ which he produced alongside US emcee Glad2Mecha, and the highly acclaimed ‘Songs From The Sea’s Edge’.

His deeply rooted and traditional Graff style has seen him produce work for many of his own releases and Diggin In Outer Space is no exception. The cover, by KISTA himself (See above), features a number of different pieces that show his name and demonstrate his broad but classic style. The cover also has this cut and paste style to it and features Graff pieces that are interspaced with images of legendary NYC Graff writers, images of vinyl records, Hip Hop and other musical influences, plus just a hint of psychedelia too. This stunning imagery more than mirrors the what the promo material says about the album “From start to finish this album takes you on a timeless nostalgic trip of all this hip hop, record digging, graffiti, drum breaks, spoken word, 90’s mix tapes, and Skateboarding”.

Now, I have always been a lover of the cut n’ paste style mix and so I am truly looking forward to deep diving on this one. So, let’s not hang around one more second. It’s time to join me as we turn the clock back to the Mid-eighties and early 90’s for a journey into hip hop, dedicated to the one and only ‘The 45 King’, let’s go Diggin In Outer Space with KISTA…

 

We begin our journey, of two halves (or sides as it were), by lifting off from planet Earth, into the void of outer space with the Intro (Stereo Test). This is more than intro to the album, but also and intro to vinyl records, how to play them and a hint at crate digging too. It all comes courtesy of a vocal sample from yesteryear over banging drum break, with a dash of some electronic vibes to boot. Now that the needle is in the groove and we are suitably thrust into our seats for the ride it’s time to get the Correct Technique, and we do this by listening, intently to the drum break and all the various samples, as they come together to get our head nodding, and the head nod sound is something that is always critical as it transfers the energy from the music into your body. Especially so when you’re floating through the void of space. Now, something that was always a huge part of the early Hip Hop Electro sound was the fact that it had that futuristic computer sound, and that also expanded into the Graff scene too with futuristic styles, and it’s time to explore the Graff side of things on Computer Rock (Future Shock). Wicked infectious bass guitar and a dope beat, really gets ya adrenaline flowing, just like the kick of grabbing a bag of spray cans and markers and getting out onto the dark streets and into the subway tunnels to get your name up, in the freshest style. The sampled vocals from graff writers really takes you back to watching documentaries, like Style Wars, for the first time. You would get a huge kick from practicing your own tag, before heading out and getting up for the first time. Computer Rock Pt2 (The Essence) takes us deeper into something that is the essence of both a graff writer or an emcee, and that is the technique; each has to have their own individual style or styles of creating their craft, from the tags and bubble, or wild style pieces, to the wordplay and flows, you technique is everything and is up to the observer to see if they can follow. Keep It on mixes up organ notes, xylophone notes, and vocal samples over a wicked drum beat to give us a sound that almost has a laid-back edge to it but, still has that banging vibe that keeps you bouncing as our journey through the cosmos continues but, if you thought that the link to planet earth was lost, you are mistaken as Solstice brings that link to bear with a hypnotic sound that has these sampled vocals that seem to speak to your unconscious, reminding you that no matter how far you travel, you are always still close to nature and should always remain so. That idea of remaining close to nature, even when surfing the cosmos leads us into Mushroom Clouds where the beat is laced with hypnotic piano notes that allow us to drift off into a different type of cosmos, one where some, possibly, natural substances help us reach a cosmos of our own making. The organ notes and guitars on Take You Higher find us inhaling more of those substances to transcend that induced cosmos, before realising that sound and music also has the capability to takes up to other places, and that is where we end the first part of our journey into outer space.

 

One quick flip, and the needle is back in the groove, and our journey continues, with just that little pause. Now we get things back on track with the title track Diggin in Outer Space, which takes us back to NYC. Here we get the low down on how a vinyl record is produced before breaking into sampling, the MPC and more. This track is almost like a cut n paste mix in itself as KISTA mixes in a wealth of vocal samples with switching sound along the way as the focus of the vocal sample’s changes. It keeps you on your toes and shows the work that goes into creating that physical product you love to hold in your hand and then watch, mesmerized, as it spins on the turntable bringing the sound you love to hear. Crescent Moon takes us into a jazz infused sound with classic drum break with strings to give it a chilled air. Then there are the piano and horns that really bring in that jazz sound. Something that really came into hip hop music in the 90’s, bringing a sound that was rooted in hip hop but, had this jazzy vibe that you could chill to, showing that somethings just blended so well with that hip hop sound. Now, Walkman Blues opens with a little soundbite that I can associate with as I had my first introduction to Hip Hop by listening to a cassette of the latest tunes. Here the beat, organ notes, claps and vocal samples all come together to create this vibe that gets you reminiscing of the days you had a cassette Walkman, and then a CD Walkman. I remember making my own mix tapes or putting the latest albums on tape to listen to on my train journey to work. Later, I had the means to do the same with CD’s. This one really takes me back, and the blues comes in when you forgot to get back up batteries, or the tape massed up. Those were the days. Xylophone notes bring us into Moon Rocks, where those notes mix with organ notes over the beat to give you this upbeat sound that kind of lightens the mood somewhat. It keeps that jazz vibe going once more but, in more chilled way, and makes you think of bouncing around on the moon in low gravity, looking back at the earth, the same way you might look back at music that has gone before, how it has influenced you and how you might be able to use it in the future. On the subject of musical influences, the Chrome Face (Skit) brings in a short funk fuelled guitar sound, alongside a nice drum beat that switches your focus to the equipment needed to take all of those musical ideas, that are floating around in your mind, and getting them into a usable form, recorded and ready for use. Similarly, your idea might be to take a Stack of 45’s and produce a funky little mix out of them, and if that is your idea, then you might just come up with something like this little beauty. No more needed to say here just kick back and enjoy. The penultimate sound on our little journey right here is Endless Summer, and this one takes a pounding drum break and mixes in piano, horns and more to bring you a sound that puts you slap bang in the middle of NYC, in the heat of the summer. From the busy summer days to the rocking summer nights, this one takes you there, as a little aside from travelling icy depths f outer space. KISTA rounds things off here with the Space Cookie (Outro), a spaced out drum and key infused sound that reminds you this journey is took you out into the depths of the cosmos for a ride through the foundations of the Hip Hop sound and much more. Now you are left with a little decision to make. Do you come back to earth for more or do you stay floating, out there in deep space…

 

This has been some trip for sure, and it is not always easy to review a release such as this because you hear so many sound bites, samples, and more that you recognise that you question, do I list all these that I recognise? Now, if I was to do that, we’d be here forever. So, what is best to do is just give you the things that come to mind as I listen.

What this album did do was to take me back to those days of old, to a time when I first heard Hip Hop, properly, when I knew what it was. That old Cassette, that I still have, was my first introduction. Yes, I had heard Rappers Delight on vinyl but, I didn’t know what I was listening too, at the time and was only eight or nine years old. When I got to thirteen and was told that this is Hip Hop, things blew up. I loved those times, trying to make pause button mixes or listening to Double D and Steinski’s The Lesson series or taping DMC mixes from the John Peel Show on a Monday Night. Now I wasn’t a skateboarder, so I can’t comment on that but, I know it was a huge within some in Hip Hop so, it definitely has its part to play. Hip Hop wasn’t just music, it was Breakin’, it was Graff, and it was knowledge. I learnt so much from listening to Hip Hop and researching what heard in the lyrics.

So, not only does Diggin In Outer Space take you back to those early years, it encapsulates everything about that time. From buying records, tapes and CD’s, to trying to write Graff, trying to be a Breaker, and trying to Rap or be scratch a record (in the musical scenes). It brings all that alive once more, putting you in touch with those feelings and reminding you of what it was about Hip Hop that struck you, the oneness. You were part of a movement, a culture, something new that was growing, and still alive today, if you look in the right places.

KISTA proves, right here, and without the shadow of a doubt, that he is one of the premo Hip Hop producers out there that still embodies the roots of what Hip Hop is all about. Diggin In Outer Space takes you on a trip that is seamless from start to finish. It is a rollercoaster ride that is not just a great listen but, one that takes you to new or old places and elicits emotions and adrenaline shots with every beat. KISTA has this instinct that know exactly what beats, breaks and samples to use to convey the message he is putting across, and that message seems to be that this is Hip Hop music and this music can break down the walls and take you anywhere you want to go. So, turn up the volume and feel the love for the music, the culture, and your fellow brothers and sisters across the world.

For those of us who grew up in the 70’s, 80’s this one is a nostalgic trip that will take you back and have you grinning from ear to ear, and if you grew up in the 80’s and 90’s, it will have a similar effect. For those of you hearing this who grew up in noughties or after, this one is going to give you an insight into a time when playing with music and bringing fun and good times was the name of the game and I hope it ignites a new flame inside you to explore the music and bring that energy back, because we need that fun energy to back into music and inspire unity beyond borders.

This has to be high on my albums of the year as it is a stunning slice of Hip Hop that ticks all the boxes and proves, once and for all, that Hip Hop is in the house, and its alive and kicking.

Diggin In Outer Space was release back in August and the vinyl has now sold out. It is still available on digital though so, grab a copy.

My huge thanks to KISTA for allowing me to bring this one to you.

So, till next time,

Peace Out.

Steve

LINKS

Grab your digital copy here:

https://kista.bandcamp.com/album/diggin-in-outer-space

Soundweight Records Website:

https://soundweightrecords.bigcartel.com/

KISTA and Soundweight Records Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/neil.k.richardson.5

https://www.instagram.com/k.i.s.t.a/

https://www.facebook.com/SoundweightRecords

https://www.instagram.com/soundweightrecords/

https://www.youtube.com/@Soundweightrecords

VIDEOS

Computer Rock (Future Shock)

Solstice

Diggin In Outer Space

 

 

 

Album Review: Epiphanies and Punchlines by Ill Sykes and SheikhyGround

 

Epiphanies & Punchlines

By

Ill Sykes and SheikhyGround

 

Epiphanies and Punchlines is the latest offering from the duo of Ill Sykes and SheikhyGround. Released back in July, it continues on from their 2022 The Road Less Travelled EP.

Now, I don’t want to say too much myself before I get into the album So, I’m going to let Ill Sykes give you a little insight into the theme of the album; “This album acts as a conduit for emotions and experiences relating to the struggles that come with being human. As a double edged sword, the album also chronicles the trials of the archetypal suffering artist trying to find his way in a world that they feel wasn’t built for them, compelled to express yet burdened by the sensitivity that fuels their art”.

With those thoughts in your head, join me as I take you on a walk through of Epiphanies & Punchlines…

It all begins with the title track of the album Epiphanies & Punchlines which serves as the into for the album too. Here the beat is chill and softened into the background as the mix of soft strings and guitar takes the fore front giving this one a very relaxed feel. As you listen, you get the feeling this is setting the scene for what’s to come with a narrative that is poised in the middle of something. Beginning with this spoken word element that has a reflective edge to it, then comes this sung chorus part reaches the present moment before a sharper edge appears to look towards the future and first tentative steps on a path that has finally been found. The sounds of rain, piano notes  and cuts from DJ JtL, bring us into It Never Rains (It Only Pours), backed by more head nod beat and emotive strings. Everyone’s journeys are beset with ups and downs along the way and here we take a look into those times where things get too much for us, and those moments of depression threaten to drag us into a place where we struggle to even see the brighter days. There are any number od reasons why we might find ourselves in this place, Beit the struggles of everyday life and losing those we love, or weight felt by an upcoming artist finding their way, to have that authentic edge that will carry them forward. Synth vibes and a melodic beat seems to take you back to the Synthpop of the 80’s on Running Away. There is no escaping the fact that facing life of the spotlights of the stage brings it own hurdles, and as we push ourselves in any one moment it can test our resolve and mental health, and this track has that feel that sometimes things can get on top of us and push us to the point of turning away from what is in front of us. We get caught up in the four walls of our mind, a place where everything is too much and we just get by but, it is a thin line between staying and leaving…

Metropolis Armada has more LoFi feel with a chilled beat and multi-layered sound with guitar and synth elements alongside soft etheric vocal samples; all coming together to create a dream like sound scape. Here there seems to be a natural progression from the struggles that have been to an internal, almost spiritual, voice that directs you not to give up but, to understand that the stars are only a dream away. Those stars are the light in the night, a glimpse that there is a brighter place and the more you dream of them, the more you bring that light toward you. Piano and guitars merge with a laid-back beat and a splash of cuts (once again from DJ JtL), bringing a reflective edge on The Observer. Here we find the narrative shifting to one of the observer, watching the life of others as they pass him by. Finding out that fact that society is a diverse place where HI’s and Low’s exist at a dizzying pace and sometimes you have to just take your time and look at things differently, focus on individual things rather than trying to examine the entire scene that plays out before you. Looking at things individually allows you to see the entire spectrum rather than the blurred vision that you usually see. Guitar notes take the centre stage on Games With No Names, keeping the reflective edge to the sound. Things from our past do shape who we are and, at times, how we approach and deal with what is in front of us in the present. The challenges we faced as children may have seen us disappearing into our own worlds as a place to escape how we were treated by others; that does not mean that we will not do similar things as adults. But, as adults our escapes could be music, a place where we can create what we want or where we can find a place where we know we are not alone and others have experienced the same, giving us and escape and hope…

Shapeshifters hits with a sound that has a soundtrack, orchestral vibe to it. This one deals with the struggles of mental health. Here there is that struggle between yourself, those inner voices that are constantly at odds to each other, making you doubt yourself when you were on the verge of something positive. This is one of those emotive and very personal tracks that really hits hard, especially for those who have their own internal struggle, constantly second guessing all you do and how others might view you and the things you do. This is a struggle so many of us know only too well and makes this such a hard hitting sound. Gatekeeping Infinity, is an intense spoken word track that openly examines addiction , reflection and a desire to move forward into a more positive future. There is a depth to this, that continues on from the previous track, hitting you with an even more personal and matter-of-fact expression. The intensity of the words evokes a pure emotional response that you won’t deny but allow to touch you and bring forth what it will. The emotive words are backed by an equally deep sound that I can only describe as sounding like how your deepest thoughts may sound as you sit with them, thinking over all that has been and might be; a masterful piece of production work for sure that reflects that it is only you between here and infinity. Strings take the forefront over a solid head nod beat on Live Forever, evoking more emotive feelings within. This is one of those tracks where all the cards are laid on the table and gives you an open-hearted look at the desire that lays within, a desire to be the best you can be, striving to push yourself on your life’s path in a way that will see you, your work, and your memory live on. So many of us take it that what we do will one day be lost to the sands of time and never really think anymore about it but, what if you did? What if you were able to create something, anything, that would give you that chance, would you not put your all into it, a passion for all that you do, something that would shine through in everything that do. Would you describe that passion and that desire the same way…

It has been an emotive trip thus far and as we come to the penultimate track of the album, Deliverance, a multi-layered LoFi sound carries us along, switching things about, giving more focus to the vocals. There are times where we all cast our eyes to the skies, speaking to whatever our idea of a god is, opening our hearts on where we are and what can we do to go on! This is exactly that, something feels like opening up, from the pit of despair, and delivering heart-felt words that say, this is who I am, I am now in this place where I have been through so much but, now I know who I truly am and now that I have found me, this is who I am going to be from now on, I accept all that makes me this person, and now it is time to walk forward with strength and love in my heart. The album ends with The Mountain, where the sound switches once more to one that has a more prog rock edge to the sound, putting you in mind of the likes of Floyd and others being mixed in. This one is also the longest track of the album featuring additional vocals from Dannielle Moles, Imogen Taper and Robin Taper. There is nothing better than ending something on a positive note, and here we are given the spectacle of what it is to overcome the biggest obstacles on our paths. There is the sense that what we have here is an overview of the entire journey, the mountain is that final hurdle to overcome but, it can also be representative of where we have been as well as where we are going, showing all the struggles we have faced, the times we have faltered, and the times we thought we would never make it. But now we have those special voices around us that speak to us, encourage us, giving us renewed hope and the strength to carry on, and so we climb higher knowing that the summit not that far away…

 

Sometimes it is so hard to sum up an album when it has given you so much to talk about as you have listened. However, I have recently been graced with reviewing music that has a very deep and personal edge to it, and Epiphanies and Punchlines is one of those too. The deeply personal and emotive nature of the album is the kind of sound that we all so greatly need to hear right now. This I sone of those albums that makes you think deeply of your own struggles and where you are, right now in this moment. It also gives you hope for a far brighter future if you open up and accept who you truly are. Do that and there is nothing to hold you back. Once you are at peace with your shadow self you can accept your true self, and this was the overwhelming aspect of this album that spoke to me and will hopefully speak to you as well.

Ill Sykes and SheikhyGround have crafted a true masterpiece where the emotive nature of the lyrics is matched by the production one hundred percent. Ill Sykes shows an evolving side to his vocal delivery using spoken word, rap, and sung lyrics to broaden his range and deliver everything this album sets out to do. He still has that intricate wordplay but, here he shows that mixing up his flows and styles has taken a huge step forward. SheikhyGround uses every ounce of his production skills to draw on a range of musical styles to craft a sound that perfectly reflects the emotive nature of every one of the words being spoken and what they are saying.

This album explores themes that do not fail to touch you deeply. There is suffering and grief but also talk of the resilient nature of the human spirit as well as the strength to aspire to be all you can be and more. These are themes that each one of us can associate with, allowing us to draw on our own experiences, and in doing so we realise that we also have the capabilities to have the same aspirations and resolve to be all we can be.

For me, what this album does so well is to take Hip Hop to another level, one where you can draw on more emotive sounds to take the idea of conscious story telling and mix it with deeply personal lived experiences, and in doing so allow the listener to look within themselves at the same time as taking on-board the journey of another.

If you have not heard this one yet, then I whole-heartedly invite you to do so and see where it takes you.

Remember to support independent music. This release is available to stream and buy physical copies too. There is nothing like Holding a copy in your hand...

My humble thanks to Ill Sykes for giving me the chance to bring this one too you.

 

I’ll see you next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Check out Ill Sykes LinkTree for all the links to stream or get physical copies:

https://linktr.ee/illsykes

Check out SheikhyGround LinkTree for all his links:

https://linktr.ee/sheikhyground

VIDEOS

Running Away