Album Review: Wish and Whizz Ltd by Wish Master and Billy Whizz

 

Wish and Whizz Ltd

By

Wish Master and Billy Whizz

 

Now, I know this one has been out for a little while now, having been originally released back at the beginning of April this year. It was only recently that Billy sent me the digital files and, following a few hours we spent chatting in Bristol, I knew that I wanted to give this one the treatment.

So, let me give you a quick intro to Billy Whizz and Wish Master for those who might not be familiar. Wish Master is an Emcee from St Paul’s Bristol, He is also the CEO of O.R. Records (Original Recordings Records) which was set up in 2017. Billy Whizz, also from Bristol, is a Hip Hop producer whose influences range from Black Metal to Neo Soul. He has produced his own Eps alongside those of Twizzy and Lordwillin, and currently DJs for Tkorstretch, Wish Master and Press 1.

So, having read the liner notes for the album and chatted to Billy, I liked the idea that the album was set up as a lost soundtrack to a Sci-Fi Tech Noir movie that starred Wish Master and Billy Whizz. If you are not sure what I’m going on about then here are the liner notes to help spread some light on things:

Limited Edition Compact Disc Recently discovered in a DVD bargain bin, it turns out Wish Master & Billy Whizz starred in their own Sci Fi Tech Noir movie in the mid 80s. The soundtrack created from stolen synthesizers and drum machines from John Carpenters next door neighbour and the narrative provided by Wish Master's lyrics creates the perfect soundtrack all produced by Billy Whizz. Top grade features from Upfront MC, Press1, Danja & Datkid all add merit to the tense atmosphere Wish & Whizz have to face. OR has now officially released its soundtrack in its full 8 track glory restored on streaming services and CD.

I hope that helps because I thought I would add a slight movie synopsis edge to the feel of my review. So, sit back, dim the lights, and get the popcorn out, it’s time to press play…

 

Our opening scene see’s the dawns early light just breaking over the urban skyline of the city of Bristol UK. The heroes begin to stir from their slumber as a pounding beat hits, backed by some choral vocals, there is almost a ragga feel to the opening theme of the movie. Wish Master is soon dropping bars to Billy’s beats, switching between flows and styles, and musing over Thoughts of Thoughts, we get a good introduction to Wish and Whizz, prepping us for what’s to follow. As the light of day bathes the city in a golden light, we see this is not the Bristol we know now, the skyscrapers tower above the old city, just as giant redwood trees would tower over the native oaks growing on what was our green and pleasant land. Giant LED displays advertise products to the masses and vehicles not only travel the streets but, also fly above them. This is a metropolis of the future. Our heroes set out in the early morning light not knowing what day will bring but, as a wicked head nod beat drops, it’s time to get everyone moving and grooving. With Billy on the 1’s and 2’s, Wish Master opens up about who he is, what he does and how he and Whizz channel their creative energy. The fact is their energy comes from the heart, the Heart of a Lion that is, with passion, strength, and a desire to rise to the top.

In this future full of technology that is integrated into the very brains of humans, Wish and Whizz prefer to do things the old way in analogue and digital, not by creating beats just by thinking them and having them immediately available on an SSD built into a small watch like device on your wrist. Yeah, it takes time, and you have to be a Workaholic to do it. Here billy drops a deep, laid-back vibe from keys, drums, and choral vocals. But it’s not laid-back enough to stop you moving, especially when Wish is joined by Upfront MC to detail exactly what it is to get deep into this rap game. If you wanna be the best you gotta work at it, constantly upping your game to rise to the top and be the best. But, getting to the top is not gonna be easy, especially in a high-speed word where things go beyond digital. Our heroes stop in a small green space that was once Castle Park. As Wish begins to muse about the future, Billy flips on a beat that has that soundtrack edge, drums and sonic sounds create a grime vibe. This sets the stage perfectly for Wish to speak on the struggles of daily life and all those times we see things we feel we would like to do but, for whatever reason, we just don’t feel able to reach those goals. Well, one thing is for sure here, Wish is certain of one thing, if anyone can then Wish Master Can. With that desire ringing strong in their ears Wish and Whizz now Get Connected with DatKid. Together they walk tall through the megastructures as heavy drums and multi-layered sounds create a solid head nod vibe that gets a smile on everyones faces. There is almost a John Carpenter edge to this one as Wish and DatKid speak hard and unapologetically on life in Bristol, what you have to do to survive and the fact that being connected to all those liked minded souls out there keep things alive and keep them going on…

As they continue their journey, Wish and Whizz find themselves in an underground rock music club. With one thing in mind our heroes set out to, once more, merge Rock n Rap. The people of the future have forgotten that music genres can be brought together and Billy Whizz proceeds to mix up some heavy drums, heavy rock guitars and rock vocals to bring a proper rock n rap sound. Meanwhile Wish proceeds drop bars on the merging of musical and lifestyles. Time to bounce to this and hit the mosh pit. As Wish and Whizz emerge from the club, they are suddenly inundated with people asking questions about what they are trying to do? With a sense of confrontation in the air these people seem to have No Manners in their pursuit for answers, pounding drums and a weird sound, almost like the Green Hornet theme, is the opening for a heavy grime style beat, pounding your ears with bass. Wish Master answers all the questions by explaining they make their music, their way. They don’t work to any script, just put out what they want to put out, using any sound they want and saying whatever they want. To show the crowd exactly what they mean, Billy Whizz drops another grime edged beat with a mix of vocal samples, rapid drumbeats, cymbals and multi-layered sounds. Wish Master calls on Press 1 and Danjo to join him and with that all three proceed to spit lyrics that deal with life while each one switches up Flows on Flows demonstrating exactly what it is to do things your own way, why you do it, reaching for those goals.

With the crowd in a frenzy, the commotion comes to the attention of the authorities. Wish and Whizz take a step back to reflect on how they got to where they are now. This gives birth to who they truly are Wish and Whizz Ltd. Que a cut scene retrospective over the albums title track, sparce drums, horns and strings bring a slightly laid-back vibe, giving us time to pause for this reflective moment. Now with the feds quickly closing in and blocking all exits its time for Wish and Whizz to bring some focus and clarity to help diffuse the situation. Billy queues up some head nod drums backed by organ notes which provide a slightly chilled edge, while still hitting on all the right levels. Wish Master steps to the forefront dropping some deep verses on just what it takes to create music, their way. He speaks on the passion, the work ethic and the real-life experience that is tinged with emotion. It’s all about creating music from the heart and not just the head. Its that which allows you to dig deep inside and to bring out the King In Me. The crowd seems to suddenly awake from a dream state, they switch off their devices, unplug their minds and vow to make music from the heart. The authorities see the crowd disperse but, keep watch on Wish and Whizz as they make their way back to home. Once there and with the knowledge of what has gone that day they reflect once more. Billy drops a heavy sound of drums and horns that is full of energy. Wish, fuelled by the sound, opens up on what it is to be in this world, a world where there is so much Poison around us in many different forms. You have to get out there, make a stand, do what you gotta do to make you voice heard. To make that point even deeper there is some samples of Wish speaking during the BLM marches in Bristol way back in 2020. As the music fades and the credit roll, you are left wondering just how Wish Master and Billy Whizz got to this futuristic Bristol? Perhaps that one will be uncovered in another dusty DVD bin someday, that’s if the movie was ever made…

 

So, I may have put a fun spin on this one to make it fit in with the kinda fun overview of the album but, make no mistake here Wish and Whizz Ltd is a solid street level expression of urban music styles that exist in Bristol.

Wish Master and Billy Whizz, as individuals, have a deep connection to the underground music scene in Bristol and the UK in general. As they show their talents are second to none, which makes them a force to be reckoned with as a team. With Billy’s production, which mixes a whole host of musical styles and influences, with Wish Masters lyrical style and flow, which has its foundation in his own real-life experiences, really does seem to create this aural experience that creates these visual ideas in the mind of the listener, as it did for me. They just work so well together, each seemingly bringing out the best in the other.

Wish and Whizz Ltd is just a wining formula that takes the multi-faceted production and DJ skills of Billy Whizz and adds in the intelligent wordplay, styles, and flows of Wish Master, then multiplies by a few carefully selected guest artists and divides by 11 solids tracks which equals one huge slice of underground music that will appeal to a wide range of people and deliver enjoyment for years to come.

I could go on for longer about the album, singling out how good the guest artists are and how they each bring their own styles, spicing things up in just the right way when needed but, do you really need me to say all that?

All I really need to say is this, if you have not heard this already then grab a download or CD and stick it on cos I can guarantee you won’t be sorry you did and plus it’s always good to support the artists too.

So, Wish and Whizz Ltd by Wish Master and Billy Whizz is out now on O.R Records.

As for me?

I’m outta here,

See Ya…

Steve

LINKS

Remember to check all the usual Social Media sites for Wish Master, Billy Whizz and O.R.Records.

Get the Album from Wish Master on Bandcamp Here:

https://wishmaster.bandcamp.com/album/wish-whizz-ltd

Check Billy Whizz on Bandcamp Here:

https://billywhizz.bandcamp.com/

O.R. Records Official Website:

https://orrecords.co.uk/

OFFICIAL VIDEOS

Thoughts of Thoughts (Intro) / No Manners

Get Connected ft DATKID

Workaholic ft UPFRONT MC

 

Single Review: AE046 - Rhymes Be Bomb! by J & MO'

 

A: Rhymes Be Bomb! (feat. Emcee G Roc Gayle)

B: Pelottaa (feat. HP Lovescratch)

By

J & MO’

 

Rhymes Be Bomb! Is the first release in 2022 from AE Productions and sees the debut 7” release from the Finnish production duo of J & Mo’ aka DJ J-Man (Cut Beetlez) and DJ Mo’ Money as they work towards dropping a full-length album, J & MO’, later in the year.

So, prepare yourselves and take cover because we got incoming…

Side A is the title track Rhymes Be Bomb! Which is taken from the forthcoming album and features vocals from Canadian Emcee G Roc Gayle (The Vibe Drops). Here J & Mo’ bring an upbeat jazzy fusion of horns, keys, guitar, drums, and cuts. The vibe is so infectious and uplifting that it raises you up regardless of your mood. Emcee G Roc Gayle skilfully drops the kinda bars that do exactly what the title suggests, dropping rhyme bombs for your ears, not only that. He does it in such a way as to still be radio friendly at the same time so, there is no place to hide from the onslaught.

Just as you are cautiously raising your head up to see if all is clear, you flip to side B where J & Mo’ unleash Pelottaa, a non-album track that only get with this release. An instrumental jazz funk mix, which includes a few classic samples, has the duo creating a mood that constantly switches around to keep you constantly guessing at what is coming, add to that a feature from HP Lovescratch (Cut Beetlez) with some classic human beatbox and this one might just tug at your awareness enough to bring something deeper to that second-guessing. The fact that Pelottaa is the Finnish word for ‘frightened’ makes you suddenly realise that these guys may just have produced a piece of music that fits perfectly with that emotion, albeit in a Hip Hop sense…

 

Rhymes Be Bomb! Is cracking debut from J & Mo’ and one which undoubtedly puts them on everyone’s radar and sets the perfect amount of anticipation for the upcoming album.

There are two different sounds here, both rooted in that Hip Hop Jazz fusion style but, both creating two different moods and vibes. What is also great to hear on this release is that the embodiment of true Hip Hop music shines through with energetic Hip Hop beats, plenty of cuts and scratches and rare appearance of the Human Beatbox, something that we are sadly hear a lot less of. As modern technology takes over and people can create beats on there phones, the human beatbox is becoming something that people are just not taking up but, here HP Lovescratch shows that it is still alive, and I can only hope this is a catalyst for others to have a go and bring it back…

The appearance of Emcee G Roc Gayle also brings another depth to the title track as he shows that you can still drop heavy lyrical content and still keep it radio playable. His vocals also bring a freshness that fits perfectly to the vibe of the release.

The Sleeve design comes from longtime AE Collaborator Mr Krum who replicates the metaphor used in the title track by replacing bombs with mics in artwork that mirrors a vintage board game to great effect.

This one has been out a few weeks now and if you have not heard it yet, then you need to check this one as soon as, it’s the shape of things to come from the Finnish duo and shows just how global the Hip Hop culture is and full of positive vibes for all.

As always, my thanks to Mr Fantastic over at AE Productions for sending this one.

On that explosive note,

I’m out,

Steve

LINKS

Buy the 7" from the AE Productions online shop:

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

Get your copy from AE Productions on Bandcamp:

https://aeproductions.bandcamp.com/album/rhymes-be-bomb

Album Review: Future Life Progression by O.Love

 

Future Life Progression

By

O.Love

 

With such a wealth of good music being released in 2021, I was excited for the release of the album Future Life Progression from Bristol based and Multitalented artist O.Love (aka Asian Hawk).

I have previously reviewed a couple of the single releases from this album in Embellishment and Controversial. This introduced me to his brand of electronic neo-funk, neo-soul. This was a refreshing sound, and I was looking forward to listening to the album to see what else was instore.

So, lets get right into it…

The albums title track, FLP, is also its intro, with sparce and spaced-out tones providing the backdrop, it really invites you to listen with an open mind because every time you put this on it will bring a new and exciting experience. This is mind expanding, like an introduction to a musical meditative experience. Our first full length track is Controversial which features Matt Owen (Noah and the Whale) and Keno Decosta Medford (Sounds of Harlowe) providing guitars. This track reflects the driving force and desire to leave the DJ world behind and expand to newer, more exciting musical heights, with universal appeal. This is a spaced-out Neo-Funk/Neo-Soul track that has a vibe right out of hyperspace, deep space, or some previously undiscovered alternate reality. It has a funk fuelled beat over which floats that eclectic mix of guitar, synth and melodic vocals. Those vocals bring to your awareness all that is or could be termed controversial. By the end of the track, you are feeling like you have just been dipped into some awesome mix of Prince and Parliament/Funkadelic but, with vibe like it’s all been experienced through your third eye. Now we are floating around just outside of earth’s atmosphere the Galaxy Cruise Briefing provides us with some intergalactic electronic notes with vocals that make us ponder what is about to happen on our journey.

A Wonder of the Modern Age is a slightly more laid-back vibe with synths and piano notes. There are plenty of wonderous things in our modern age with technological advances and so on but, is there anything more wonderous that watching someone you love just do the things they do, being themselves. Embellishment continues our journey and see’s O.Love’s voice bring an almost dreamy quality that perfectly contrasts yet compliments the track. As you listen you are drawn into this parallel dimension of electric funk which lifts you up and carries you, floating in an alternate colourful realisation of space. As you float along the vocals reach into your mind and create this almost trippy vision of the duality of lives and everything around us. Where things are not always what they seam and those you trust often have an ulterior motive for doing or saying certain things. We venture further into the cosmos with an upbeat extra-terrestrial Rhythm which is infused with drums, bass, rain sticks and Rhodes piano (played by Jackson). It is all about the rhythm here and how it makes you feel and move.

We venture beyond our solar system on an electronic, futuristic jazz vibe and boom bap drums, alongside vocals and a rap from Press 1. All this combines to transport your awareness In To The Parallel dimensions. Feel free to stay here, especially if you consider you own dimension and are not happy with what is looking back at you. We spend a short interlude suspended between one dimension and the next. The music is unplugged with just a piano to accompany the vocals. This short moment says so much, O.Love says Before I Leave there is still time to reflect on all those individual times you ponder on life and who you would like to spend it with. Guitar and drums accompany the organ notes on Instascam as O.Love looks at the world of social media. There is a value in keeping touch with friends and family. There is also value in making new connections but, with all the fun you can experience comes many pitfalls, especially the addiction of valuing ‘likes’ above all else.

Dumbface hits with a percussion vibes and bass over the organ notes. The message here seems to reflect the ups and downs of everyday life. Especially those time we lose control of our conscious thought when tired and exhausted. We just need to maintain ourselves with poise and positive focus and not throw it back in one’s face, no matter the situation. There are times in life where we meet someone and there is that instant energy, The Spark, between you. These times you just have to act on that impulse because something special is to come. This is reflected in the energetic mix of musical notes here from guitars, bells and syth. From one kind of energy to another. A drum and synth heavy vibe takes us back to the 3-D world where Time Is Money, working hard and exhausting our mind and bodies. We do this all for money, a created concept that has no real value, except that which we put on it…

Pre-Wind has a melodic backdrop of bells as we realise that noise is a winding mechanism tightening, increasing the tension for what is to come. Our anticipation is carried forward with that winding sound alongside drums and guitar as we continue to Wind Up. What we are winding up to is an increase in sexual tension. The visions created here are x-rated to the maximum as you and your partner engage in all manor of fore play to increase the pleasure. That pleasure and the experience of love and making love is explored further as we groove to some smooth electronic vibes and guitar notes. Here it is all about taking that love to the next level, a universal experience that takes you both to the Finish Line.

We end the album with some smooth mix of drums, guitar, and synth vibes on SMHL. The sound carries us to the moments of true deep love. When it so strong for that special someone you just want the universe to do one thing, Send Me Her Love…

 

For me listening to Future Life Progression echoed the passion, the energy, and the spirit of Prince. Having been a huge fan of the purple one for many years, I was truly taken aback at how this album captured the essence of the late musical genius. I do not know if this was intentional or not but, it honestly felt spooky, just as if Prince was sat on the shoulder of O.Love who channelled that musical genius through once more. That might be a huge statement to make and, if you agree or not, that was what my initial feels were as I listened, and they have not changed.

You can truly feel O.Love’s love of music here and creating an album that will uplift you but, at the same time will allow the listener to transport themselves to different spiritual and emotional experiences each time they listen.

Although I have mentioned Prince here as a major influence, in my view, you can easily feel different influences from funk, jazz and soul to Hip Hop and more modern musical vibes, there is something for everyone to feel on this album. Through all these multi-genre influences there is still something that O.Love imprints on this album that is truly his own and for me it is his passion for creating something different that people can feel on many levels that speaks out. In a true departure from the DJ that people know him as, he has reinvented himself and in doing so has created a piece of music that truly does touch you on many levels.

What can I say except, experience Future Life Progression for yourself and see where it takes you?

The album is out now and at only a fiver, it's an absolute bargain.

Peace,

Steve.

LINKS

Get the album on Bandcamp Here:

https://olove001.bandcamp.com/album/future-life-progression