Album Review: ITO by Cappo

 

ITO

By

Cappo

 

It has to be, for me, an honour and a pleasure to be able to give my thoughts on the final album in Cappo’s CAPStone trilogy, ITO.

The trilogy began in September 2024 with S.T.A.R.V.E. a deep, relatable and impactful story of one person’s decent into mental health decline due to the collapse of a long-term relationship, alongside the trials and tribulations on everyday life. Then in April of this year came Houses, set some twenty years after the first album, it took us on a day-in-the-life journey as one man looks to come to terms with his own morality and the true meaning of being a father.

With ITO rounding off the trilogy, we find that the promo gives us a little insight into what to expect from the album. ITO encompasses aspects of both the previous albums in the trilogy; it juxtaposes elements of S.T.A.R.V.E.’s thematic abstraction with the temporary linear narrative of Houses. ITO can be read as a ‘key’ of sorts, acting as the conceptual thread that links together each piece of the trilogy. As such, ITO can be listened to as an introduction to the trilogy and/or as a conclusion. This kind of puts me in mind of some movies that I have watched, such as Pulp Fiction and others. So, I expect this one to be everything the other albums were and more.

Released through Plague, the album is written and produced by Cappo, with additional production from Sam Zircon on Pequod, Greene, Frost, X, and Glaze, King Kashmere on Red, and Zygote on Gold. Recorded by 1stBlood, mixed and mastered by Irn Mnky, with Design and layout coming from Rich Brown (Bee Graphics).

Now we have all that said, let’s get into it…

 

The album begins with he title track Ito, which is produced by Cappo and has this deep sounding vibe that is thick with bass, drums and guitar, and organ notes, immediately bringing your focus to the vocals.  As you listen to this one you are drawn in by the quality of the intricate lyrics, teasing you, giving you just a glimpse of what is to come, which is the trick here, it is giving you just enough to pique your interest, but never giving away what is behind it all. That is for you to deduce as the album goes on, you know what has gone before, so can you feel what is the truth? Now the metaphorical carrot has been dangled, White sees Cappo’s production keep that deep sound, but this time the percussion takes the forefront with keys providing a background vibe that softens the edge, making you want to nod your head, but almost unconsciously as the words speak to you. I get the feeling here that what those words say will depend very much on your experiences through life thus far. There is a reflective edge to this one that puts you in mind of a middle-aged man looking at where he is now in his life, the past being almost a distant memory. Could this be a reflection of the protagonist P from Houses, now further down his path in life and considering life on that very path. Next up is Pequod which might be the name of the whaling ship from Moby Dick, but does that have any relatability here? Sam Zircon gives us a solid beat which backed by an eerie sound that spins your mind into a fog bound space. The words breakthrough the fog allowing you to see that here the focus is on drawing positive energy from the poor decisions of the past, casting aside their weight that presses on your chest, rising to climb from the fog filled valley to the peak of mountain where the air is clear and you can finally see the your dreams with clarity, knowing they are there for the taking.

Red brings production from King Kashmere where bells bring a ringing in your mind as heavy beats seem to pound a different ringing that almost causes your entire body to vibrate. As the lyrics seep into your conscious awareness, Cappo’s words feel like they embody the many meanings of the Red Dragon symbolism. Western culture sees the Red Dragon as bringing chaos and destruction, while in Eastern cultures it symbolises good fortune, prosperity and imperial power, however its spiritual symbolism is one of a transformative force, and we see all those things here where the ashes of chaos and destruction ignite to bring good fortune and prosperity as the phoenix rises, showing the overall transformative power. This mirrors how our own paths in live can ultimately lead to a positive transformation from a troubled past. As those thoughts still remain clear in our minds, Sam Zircon once more provides production for Greene, where the sound is led by piano notes as the drums are sparse, giving a vibe that tweaks your mind back into this reality, just long enough to allow Cappo’s words into your mind. Here, it seems, Cappo is focusing on personal convictions, defining the very beliefs and opinions that made you the person you are, and have got you to where you are now, in this very moment. Opinions and beliefs can change over time but, if you had to define the very convictions that you live by, how would you do that; then consider the events of the past two albums in the series and how this fits with what you have heard. Sam Zircon’s production continues on Frost, as we flip from Side A to Side B of the album, with a lo-fi sound where all sounds appear to be synth based and there is no drum beat to get you nodding and so the words fill your mind with even greater effect, something that is important here as this one appears to be the most personal track we have heard. Cappo lays all his cards on the table, his thoughts and feels for his crafted body of work, his wishes for his children and much more. There is much food for thought here as you begin to consider just how much of the CAPStone trilogy is personal truths from Cappo’s own lived experience? Then, perhaps that was the whole point of this one, to have you think and ponder what is the truth here, how personal is this, which then has you thinking the same about your own life.

Gold sees Zygote on production, bringing a heavier bass sound with some electronic vibes that seems to cause your brain to vibrate on some weird level. This one seems to continue on from the previous track and has Cappo speaking more on his craft, the inspirations, and how he is viewed with the UK Hip Hop culture. Cappo is viewed as one of the leading rap artists of the current era and what he does here is to not only solidify that but, expand it and define what he does as being at forefront of new developments and new ideas on a lyrical level. Sam Zircon is back on production for X, Where the sound has a more head nod vibe, but one that seems to come from a random selection of sounds that just seem to work. In fact, there is almost a John Carpenter vibe about this one on a level. Here, it feels like we have shifted focus once more, to a narrative that could easily be back to the character of P. Here there is very much an air reflective thoughts, a collection of them in fact, like we are witness to a thoughts of someone thinking back on life and many of the crucial moments that have shaped him, brought him to this point, and finally allow him to look at, identify, and lay the final piece of the puzzle into place. Z returns Cappo to production who brings us a solid banger of a track which has some vocal samples and more in the background that gives this one a slightly dark air. The complex nature of this one takes a few listens to really get into but, as you listen things do begin to clarify in your mind. The focus appears to be one that is all about speaking the truth and not using your platform to preach false truths to those who will listen. What spoke to me here, as I listened to the words a number of times, was that you can speak anything to an audience whose only reference is a base of lies and false narratives, but when you speak the truth, your truth, one that is built on a firm foundation of knowledge and understanding, you might only reach the ears of the few but, eventually those few will reach others, and so on, making people think and search for the truths that are buried by the lies. There was one thing in Z that had me thinking and diving into some research at 8am on a chilly Thursday morning; and that was Cappo’s reference to “November Golf, The city of legends”, now this one troubled me for a bit. I know he hails from Nottingham and I thought, is it that simple, But I looked into it and found that Bournemouth is referred to as that due to its golf courses and apparent mild winter weather. However, after musing over this I felt that Nottingham was what this cryptic phrase referred to, hope my thinking is right here…

Time to delve into the final two tracks of the album, and the penultimate track here is Berry, produced by Cappo, this one has a more chilled sound with a laid-back drumbeat, and some synth sounds that create an air of calm, to a point. What strikes you about this one is the fact that this one brings your mind to a place where you think about the things you do, or have done, that will leave a lasting impression on those around you and the world, long after you are gone. We all build things over the course of our lives that directly, or indirectly, touch others; for Cappo, it is his music and the messages that it carries with it, for me, it is these very words that you are reading. But no matter where your life has taken you, there will be something is yours and speaks your name. We now come to the final track of the album Glaze, also the final track produced by Sam Zircon, brings a beat that makes you nod your head in a subtle way. The synth sounds bring a sound that has a reflective edge but, also has you casting an eye to the future. Listening to these last few minutes is like sat listening to the response to a deeply personal question. Cappo seems to be opening up on his own personal commitment to music he produces. You get a real sense that he focuses on bringing years of knowledge and academic study to bear on his lyrical prowess, giving rise to a form of Hip Hop expression that is taking wordplay to the next level with complex realism that invites the listener to think, giving them a desire to truly understand what is being heard, and at the same time considering their own place, their own mortality, and their own desire to give something back…

 

It is not often that I get to the point of giving my overall impression on what I have just heard, only to realise that what I have already written down can easily sum up the whole project on its own. I honestly feel I could end it right here and you would still get a huge amount from my words.

However, ITO has a lot more to say than just what my interpretation brings forth. Because the shear wealth of what Cappo has just given you makes you think intently and deeply on the content, before considering what it is in relation to the other two parts of the CAPStone trilogy. For me, I found the overall message within the album to be one of a positive outlook on life. It gives you a point at which you can either start or finish listening to all three albums and still get the same feeling. There are tracks or Chapters here that you feel link directly to either S.T.A.R.V.E. or Houses, there are also tracks that provide an insight into unsaid elements and those that bring clarity to what comes in the now, the reasons for the whole trilogy and how, perhaps, you can apply that in your own life. There may well be an aspect of all three albums that are autobiographical, but considering how deep this all is, it is so relatable that there are times you feel you are listening to aspects of your own life.

ITO is an incredible journey in itself, giving much food for thought and bringing you a realisation that Cappo may well have tapped into a new form of Hip Hop music that is not just a packed with deeply cerebral storytelling, performed in a way that I feel has not been done before. Cappo packs his intelligent wordplay with knowledge on a whole new level, one that appears to come from intense academic study of philosophical works and an understanding of life’s journey, in a way that many of us fail to grasp or even chose to look at. It just goes to show that Cappo is someone who could be given the GOAT status, not just because of lyrical prowess or production values, but because he is bringing a whole new level of intelligent wordplay and storytelling to a wider audience. Now it might not be for everyone; as some will just enjoy it for what it is but, there are those who will seek to find the deeper aspects of the albums, discover how all three album mesh together, and perhaps find other hidden aspects along the way, who knows, that is for you to find out.

The last thing for me to do here is just to comment on the production and couple of other bits along the way. Musically, ITO has some interesting and deep sounds that give you that Hip Hop vibe but, also that work in tandem with Cappo’s vocals to bring you a deep experience with each track, and Cappo, Sam Zircon, King Kashmere, and Zygote, should all be commended for just what they bring to the table here. Yes, the album has that foundation of a Hip Hop album but, it takes that foundation and builds something truly unique on it, something that sets the bar high on a whole new era/genre for Hip Hop music and the application of knowledge into that medium.

ITO and its companion albums in the CAPStone Trilogy are, by far, something Hip Hop and perhaps music in general has nor seen before. Albums that work perfectly as a standalone listening experience or together as the trilogy, regardless of you listening to ITO as the introduction or as the conclusion. ITO and the CAPStone trilogy will be talked about in the annals of Hip Hop history for a long time, perhaps even setting a new benchmark…

I’ll leave it there, but I could go on talking about this. You definitely have to listen to ITO and find which context it sets for you.

 

My humble thanks to once again to Dan at Plague for the chance to bring you my take on ITO, and in fact to be able to review the whole trilogy. It has been a true honour and a pleasure, opening my mind along the way.

ITO is out today, 21^st November on both limited edition vinyl and cassette, as well as digital too.

Keep watch for CAPStone the book and Box Sets, coming on 12th December 2025.

 

I’ll see ya next time,

Steve.

LINKS

Grab your copy here:

https://plague11.bandcamp.com/album/ito

Cappo on Insta:

https://www.instagram.com/kafka_poe_murakami/

Plague Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/plague_11/

https://www.facebook.com/plague11

VIDEOS

ITO: A Sonic-mosaic Journey

 

 

 

 

Album Review: HOUSES by CAPPO

 

Houses

By

Cappo

 

Houses is the second chapter in the CAPstone trilogy from Cappo. It was back in September of 2024 that I was able to bring you my take on the first of the trilogy, S.T.A.R.V.E. Which was an incredibly deep album focusing on isolation and the struggles that we so often face. Houses is set some twenty years after where S.T.A.R.V.E. was set and brings us more up to date in that it focus is our modern day society.

Released through Plague, the albums promo has been stepped up to match the fact that Houses brings a narrative that is directly opposite to its predecessor. The focus here is to look more at ideas based on The Divine Social, such as the importance of human interaction, belonging, and tribal responsibility. There are also a wealth of themes built into the album which include race and class, fatherhood, the paternal bond, masculinity, mortality, and sexual desire.

The album follows a day-in-the-life narrative of a fictional working-class father of two (known as P) in contemporary Nottingham, England, as he struggles to come to terms with the societal restrictions, conformities, and benefits of fatherhood.

Houses comes with an extended press release, in the form of a Plague Tax Letter and a collaborative Modernist style Zine which features submissions from the likes of Thomas ‘Juga-naut’ Higgins, Esther Koch, and Dr Ramisha Rafique among others. This Zine and what you will read within, reflect the overall sentiment of the album; the singular product of a combination of minds, forming what is ultimately a sense of hope. The vinyl package also contains a booklet which contains an Annotated track list, this expands on the narrative behind each track and how it relates to the classic literature of the likes of Ulysses, The Odyssey and Hamlet. I will draw on some of this as I go through the album but, will not go into how it relates to the classic literature, but leave that for you to discover.

Houses is written and produced by Cappo, except for production by Sam Zircon on Lyfe, HMRC, Unborn Seed, Sessy Lu, SPRT LVLS and While You Sleep. The album was recorded by 1stBlood, mixed and mastered by Irn Mnky, and comes with design and layout from Rich Brown (Bee Graphics).

There is a lot to take in with that intro But, now you have got this far, its time to join me as I take you through the album, on a walk through Houses…

 

The album begins with Ghosts, a track that bridges S.T.A.R.V.E. and HOUSES, it reflects on how P resolves his inner tensions regarding his father’s suicide and how he overcame his own suicidal mind state at the conclusion of S.T.A.R.V.E., setting the stage for the narrative in Houses. The sound here has a suitably emotive edge with piano notes taking the forefront and the drums remaining sparse. The focus is on the lyrics here and Cappo, once again, brings P alive in our minds and we listen intently as he details the deep emotional feeling that have brought him to where he is now but, as we listen, it is obvious that there is a more upbeat vibe that becomes apparent towards the end of the track.

The narrative of Houses begins in earnest with Lyfe that explores the chaotic morning routine of P’s working-class household. Keys, drums, and electronic elements form the basis of track, bringing a sound that seems sparse but, at the same time, has an edge that tests the nerves, just as any frantic morning might do. Here P is laying awake musing on life before things take a more chaotic turn and its time to leave the bed and deal with the first part of the day and what that brings. This is something that so many of can easily relate to and how it rarely prepares us for the rest of the day to come. As P’s day continues, he engages in tidying his children’s bedroom before receiving a letter from HMRC. A letter which indicates the family have overpaid their council tax and creates a pivotal point which also heralds things to come. Sam Zircon’s production creates an upbeat sound that brings a romantic edge to things, reflecting the feelings you have on receiving a letter like this.  We get the feeling that this, for P, this is more than just the ecstatic relief of knowing you have money coming back to you, there is a depth to his feelings for this that seem to go beyond relief. Neutral takes us to where P has spoken to his wife regarding the money that is coming back to them but, finds him musing on the differences they have on what to do with the money and how this represents the emotional distance between them, rather than drawing them closer. There is a contrast between the elements of the track here where the piano creates the calmer vibe, while the other element has this opposing sound, this really does show how there are two opposing views within the dynamic between P and his wife. The lyrics really bring those opposing views into reality with P being the more frugal one, while his wife is tempted to be more spontaneous and treat the family.

Whereas the previous four tracks have taken place in the Morning, it is now the afternoon, and we find P attending the Funeral of an unnamed acquaintance. While there his mind drifts to thoughts of death, morality, and the paternal bond. The drumbeat takes the forefront here, while the piano elements create a jazzy undertone to the track. As we listen to the words, it is clear that less is more, with fewer words creating a deep awareness of these moments and how they make us question our own mortality, death, and the love we have for those closest to us. At the end of the day, it’s not always how much you say on a subject but, what you say and how you say it. Unborn Seed finds P continuing to think on morality and death, which in this instance, relates to a recent miscarriage. Here organ notes carry us along while the sparce drumbeat and cymbals seem to reflect the painful intrusive thoughts. As we listen to P’s thoughts on a tragic loss, not to mention those that came at the end of the track in Spanish, it can easily take you to thoughts of your own on such a trauma, especially if you have experienced something like this in your life, as I have. A trauma such as this causes you, in this case as the father, to think over and question so much about life around you. In this case it brings P’s superstitious beliefs to the forefront and his struggles with life’s uncertainties.

In the aftermath of this funeral, We Will? Finds P questioning his life path after contemplating so much. Here, the beat is heavier while the cymbals and vocal sample of ‘will we’ creates this vibe in your mind that easily reflects the conflict inside when seriously questioning all that you know, while standing at a crossroads in life. The lyrics speak so deeply on P’s constant questioning of his position of proving for his family, and whether he should set himself ‘free’ and leave everything he has, behind. Sessy Lu finds P on his way home from the funeral, still reflecting and contemplating, debating all the pros and cons of his situation, even if it is of his own making or not?  Musically, this one has a deep sound with a heavy beat, but the background has an almost hypnotic edge to it, drawing you in to the words being spoken. We are drawn into P’s thoughts as he wonders what to do but, we feel his desire to find a way away from what is around him. This comes to a head as P’s desires take him down the path of considering an affair with a local single mother named Sessy Lu. These thoughts, in themselves, open up a pandora’s box of what that would mean for him and his family life. P ultimately decides to relieve these desires himself, testing whether he is thinking with a clear mind or just with his dick. P’s internal struggles with his thoughts and desires for infidelity are further explored in Undigested Sweetcorn. The beat here is pounding, incorporating elements of Slow and Low at the start, and further backed by a sound that seems to continue the almost hypnotic edge before switching out at the end as we follow P. As the words flow though our minds and we follow P and his internal struggles; we find that he is doing his upmost to avoid this affair rather than risk his marriage. As we know from the final lines of the previous track, Sessy Lu, he has chosen to relieve himself when he arrives home.

It is time to move into the Evening of P’s day with Forces. Here P is now in a better frame of mind having relieved himself of carnal desires that had treated to overtake him. This has given him time to think and to make his ultimate decision to live as freely and independently as possible by leaving his family. There is this music box kind of sound that carries us through the track with only a few hints of drums dropping in at particular points. We follow P and his thoughts on making his ultimate decision, knowing that his current decision is not serving who he is or his family. To be a better man he knows that he has to find his true self; and that means needing to leave behind the life he currently knows. In the end it may be the best for all involved. In SPRT LVLS we find P out on his first night as a ‘free man’, getting drunk and high before his evening turns sour; while attempting to speak to a woman, P is caught up in a bar brawl between rival gangs. The piano and sparce drums create a dark edge to the sound, something that reflects the situation that is about to unfold. The vocals skilfully describe how P initially see’s his evening being everything he was expecting being a ‘free man’, but all to soon it turns into a nightmare. With P experiencing the violence of Nottingham’s underbelly, Solitaire finds him quickly realising that his decision was ill conceived. The beat here has the feeling of a full on banger of a beat with piano notes giving it a brighter edge. P quickly realises that the secure family unit is far more appealing to him than the ‘free man’ life initially seemed to be. Swallowing his pride, P makes it his mission in life to do all he can for his family, realising that having a small part od something is far better than having all of nothing.

With the penultimate track of the album, we move into the Night of our day with P. Lay Your Head Down sees P arriving home and attempting to resolve his relationship. The mood is set nicely by the heavy beat and the contrasting guitar and keys, creating a calming sound that perfectly mirrors the emotive nature of the events that are unfolding. Here, we see P talking and seducing his partner, reflecting on events and also on his relationship with his daughter, a vision that creates a lot of emotion if you chose to let it in. Houses ends with While You Sleep where the bass and piano brings brighter, emotional vibe; something that works perfectly and the sound scape for the track. Before sleeping himself, P checks in on his sleeping son, his thoughts are the perfect celebration of the father-son bond. There is a depth and emotion to the words that any real father with understand and something that brings the album full circle; especially when we consider that beginning of the album and where P has come from and his experience with his own father.

There is little doubt that Houses, if you look at it on its own merit, is an incredible piece of work, and something that has been conceived by a true artist. Houses follows one mans trials and tribulations as he attempts to understand and come to terms with his own mortality and what being a true father means. The album might take place across one linear day but, it could have taken place across days, weeks or even months. It takes the listener on a truly deep journey through one person’s journey but, that journey could quite easily be one that any one of us has taken in their life.

I can associate with many of the themes encompassed in the album. I have lost a loved one to suicide, know of suicide ideation, and have experienced an actual family break-up, being estranged from my own children; I also know the struggles with mental health than come along with these traumas and more. It is this kind of relatability that adds extra depth to the album as it helps you to draw on your own lived experiences and the connected emotions.

Lyrically this one is an album that really needs to be listened to. I’m not saying that you can’t just bung in on in the car, but to truly experience every word, bar, and metaphor, you need to take time with this one and digest everything that is said because, the wordplay is the only thing that sees this one set the bat on a whole new level.

Cappo delivers a truly epic piece of work here, both production wise (not forgetting the production from Sam Zircon too, who brings his own mastery to the proceedings) and lyrically, but deeper than that when you take into account how he uses the relationship of the individual tracks to those classic written masterpiece’s, Houses does become something truly different.

Now, I’m not suggesting that to understand Houses, you need to go out and read these epic books, as the album insert booklet does help you to understand parts however, if you chose to do that, it can only elevate your understanding. But what I do suggest is you give Houses the time it deserves, let it in and truly understand what it says because it goes deeper than I can really explain in these words.

Overall, Houses is a masterpiece of Hip Hop story telling; it encompasses a number of musical influences but, also has that added literary influence and connection that elevates it a new level of Hip Hop music, in fact, it might have defined a new genre and a whole new level of what is possible when you merge Hip Hop with a different level of technical and intellectual skill.

If I’m honest, I don’t know if my words can really do justice to just how good Houses is, because it hits so deeply on so many levels. So, I’m gonna leave it there because, I could go on for pages about the album but, in truth you just need to go and listen, truly listen to it.

My humble thanks to Dan at Plague for the chance to experience this album and to help in bringing you my words. I also need to thank Dan and Cappo for the amazing information contained in this which helped the review process no end.

Enjoy this one and I’ll see you next time.

One Love,

Steve.

LINKS

Grab your copy from Bandcamp:

https://plague11.bandcamp.com/album/houses

Cappo Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/kafka_poe_murakami/

Plague Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/plague_11/

https://www.facebook.com/plague11

 

 

 

 

Album Review: S.T.A.R.V.E by Cappo

 

S.T.A.R.V.E

By

CAPPO

 

This review was originally written for the September Issue of the Killa Tapes Magazine. It is amazing to think that my reviews are being featured in physical magazine. There are not many magazines out there right now and it was reading magazines such as Hip Hop Connection and others that were part of the inspiration for me to do what I do now, because I wanted to do reviews which expanded on those short reviews and gave an insight from the point of view of a person who might buy and listen to the music. Anyway, back to the review...

Way back in the early 2000’s I became aware of a highly rated album by a UK emcee called CAPPO. This album, Spaz The World, quickly became hot property and one of the must haves of the time. So, to have the chance to review his latest work for my first review contribution in Killa Tapes Magazine is something special.

Cappo was born and raised in Nottingham UK and originally began his Hip Hop journey as a Graff writer. He also began rapping from an early age and by the Mid-1990’s getting noticed with his first proper show coming in 97 at the Nottingham carnival. His first Demo ‘First Knight’ came in 98, closely followed by the self-produced and self-financed ‘The Cap Tape Vol 1’. After getting noticed by SON records Cappo had a few released via the label before his first solo album ‘Spaz The World’ came on the Zebra Traffic label in 2003. Since then, he has become a legendary UK emcee, with a string of releases under his belt, the latest of which ‘CANON’ came in 2023

S.T.A.R.V.E is released via Plague records and is a nine-track album with some incredible physical releases on the cards too. The album is written and produced by Cappo, with some additional production coming from Congi, Theorist and Sam Zircon. Recorded and mixed by 1stBlood and mastered by Irn Mnky, the design and layout come from Rich Brown at Bee Graphics.

With all that said, there is only one thing left to do, and that is for me to take you through the album, top to bottom, giving you my impressions along the way…

It all kicks off with Jar which is produced by Congi and has a heavy pounding beat, interlaced with keys and more, giving it a sound that is deep but, also switches along the way keeping you focused on the words. Cappo’s vocals here seem to have this reflective air to them which mirrors the tone of the beat. Jar grabs you deep in your chest as Cappo speaks on what feels like the thoughts of someone musing on a broken relationship or even the loss of someone close, things that have a close emotive energy and leave you wondering what hits home more, the loss or the wonderful memories left behind. With those thoughts still so clear in your mind the intro to Drip, suddenly jerks you back to reality, produced by Theorist, this one has a sparse beat mixed with piano and the sound of dripping water. This all comes together for a vibe that plays havoc with your mind, much like Cappo’s words, which at first seem to be reflective of things he sees around him, from the struggles of relationships and changing aspects of who you are to fit with that relationship, to the struggles of a parent doing their best but, seeing their frustrations explode on those closest to them. However, as you listen you begin to question those thoughts and wonder if this all about one person’s experiences in life, dripping into his current awareness. There is not time to sit and contemplate those thoughts as Terrace 3 – Void hits with an accapella vibe, where Cappo’s words have the emotive strength of a person grappling with their own mental health, stepping back from those closest to them. The beat kicks in about halfway through and has a more modern sound to it, mixed with some electronic vibes that seems to match the feels of those intrusive thoughts that hit every day, matching the air of the lyrics perfectly.

Window is next and opens with an eerie intro, which I’m not gonna try and translate here, and sets a tone that has you wondering what’s coming. When the beat drops, it has a pounding feel that seems to weigh heavy on every nerve. Cappo’s words seep into your mind and speak on someone struggling with life, medicating and immersing themselves into anything that numbs the pain. Just as you are coming to some understanding, the beat changes, becoming slightly more upbeat with a sound that gets your head nodding. Here, it feels like this is a moment of clarity in an otherwise pain filled haze. This is a moment where you can suddenly see your own struggles and where you need to be to get back to who you are but, it is also the moment where you may question if you have the strength to do it? Terrace 2 is a short that has a huge impact, with Cappo’s words those someone might record in a live video, recording their thoughts as they continue to struggle with the strains of life where there is not enough money or help for those who need it most. I have seen this stuff first hand on the streets and in talking cafes and it hits so hard because these few words are so real and reflect the sad reality that so many live. With those words hitting so hard, it is almost a relief when the piano and head nod beat of Strongbow kick in but, that relief is short lived as the reality of Cappo’s words hit home once more. There is a glimmer of hope here though as this one focuses on someone doing their best to recover, swapping the spliff for a four pack of Stongbow, doing their best to take their meds in an attempt to get better but, only finding solace within their own four walls while the system looks down on them, labelling them and failing them and those around them. This is where the medical model favours legal drugs over giving more support and therapy that can truly help people get back into society and back on their feet.

Slow Poison is produced by Sam Zircon and brings a heavy modern sound with a grime edge to it. The piano elements give this one an emotive edge; that emotive edge fits with the vibe of the track which really seems to be focused on addiction in its various forms, and that is the poison which slowly invades you, gaining control of who you are, taking away your true self and separating you from those who care. Coming back from addiction is hard and takes willpower, something that has to come from deep inside, from your true self, and you have to recognise that and find who you truly are. The penultimate track is another short, Terrace 1, which brings another glimpse of the sun through the dark storm clouds. Here we hear the words of someone fighting to kick the darkness and find the light of the true self, realising that they have retreated from everything and everyone who brought light to their life. This is one of those huge steps forward in finding your true self, asking for the help. The last track of the album is Writeful Owner and brings another emotive vibe of electronic keys and heavy pounding beats that reinforce the deep aspects of the words. Those word here see Cappo opening up on moving forward with a clean slate, starting again after all the struggles, pain and suffering, this is where the new journey begins and walking forward into a future that you get to write yourself, written in a place that is illuminated by the light of love and positive vibes…

Sometimes you have to give yourself a minute when you are summing up the overall vibe of an album such as this, and this is one of those times.

On the face of it this album is about so many of the struggles that people go through in life but, it is so much more than that. S.T.A.R.V.E has such a deeply personal edge to it that you can’t help but feel as you listen to every track. It hits every emotion you have as you listen, from sadness and empathy to a conclusion that culminates in a feeling of relief as you understand that all the battles throughout the album have not gone in vain and there truly is a brighter horizon in view.

Cappo touches on so many subjects that anyone of us can relate to, and it is the strength of those words that impacts you so deeply as you listen; you can feel his pain because you know that pain but, more than that, you can feel the positive nature of the final track because you feel that too, and you feel all this because of the skilful way in which Cappo delivers every word of every line across the album and those spoken word elements carry such impact too, it’s almost unreal. The wordplay is incredible too as it matches the impact of the delivery, allowing you to hear and feel every word on a whole different level.

Production wise too, you can’t get much better here as every track has this sound that matches the tone of the lyrics perfectly, allowing every track to reverberate through your entire being, eliciting an emotive response that you might not be expecting. I have to commend the guest producers as much as the production from Cappo himself, it’s a cracking piece of work to say the least.

I don’t know how much of this might come from Cappo’s personal experience but, from sitting here and letting every word in, feeling those words too, it makes me think that these words could very well come from his own lived experience, which is why this album hits on so many levels, because it comes from a place that is rooted firmly in reality and true emotional experience and for someone to be that open and honest takes story teller to a whole different level. In fact, you could even say that this goes beyond story telling and becomes a beacon to those out there going through their own personal hell, and shows them a light, a direction to a true path of recovery.

S.T.A.R.V.E is out on Plague records now.

You should also check out the additional release by Cappo and Plague called Vignettes, a collection of additional shorts that serve as an expanded narrative for S.T.A.R.V.E and it protagonist. This is available as a free or Pay what you can download and well worth listening to once you have digested the original.

My humble thanks to Craig at Killa Tapes for asking me to do this and also huge thanks to Danny over at Plague for giving me the chance to review the album.

I’ll see ya next time.

Steve – Infinite Sounds UK 

LINKS

Get your copy of S.T.A.R.V.E. here:

https://plague11.bandcamp.com/album/s-t-a-r-v-e

Get a copy of Vignettes Here:

https://plague11.bandcamp.com/album/vignettes

Cappo Links:

https://www.instagram.com/kafka_poe_murakami/

https://linktr.ee/_Cappo_

Plague Links:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/plague11/posts/

https://www.instagram.com/plague_11/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCffd_9Pc-5NDYA7OyoUV5cQ

https://twitter.com/Plague218

Get the Killa Tapes Magazine and much more from Killa Tapes Here:

https://killatapespodcast.com/product-tag/magazine/

https://www.facebook.com/killatapespodcast

https://www.instagram.com/killa_tapes/

Album Review: Demons by Steg G

 

Demons

By

Steg G

Now, it’s been a little while since I last reviewed something by Steg G, in fact it was way back in June 2020 when I reviewed the album No Justice, No Peace by The Scottish Hip Hop Artists for Equality (Click for my review of that one), so its high time he was back on and his latest album Demons is what I am focusing on here.

For those of you who may not be aware, Steg G is an award-winning artist/producer from Glasgow Scotland. He is also actively involved in music education, broadcasting, and community development. So, what can we expect from Demons; Demons delves deep into the internal battles he has faced in recent years. Steg G drew inspiration from the mental health issues and the process of facing his own personal demons head on. Although the album is a more personal take on the impact of current affairs on his own mental wellbeing, his words are still wholly relatable in their meaning. Demons features Steg G on vocals and production duties with guest appearances from Best Hip-Hop act winner at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards, Solareye (Stanley Odd), Nottingham-based rap artist Cappo, rapper Freestyle Master and renowned performer Empress, and other hotly tipped rappers McRoy and Jam of duo CCTV.

Bearing all that in mind, lets get straight into Demons…

First up is Weegie which features Freestyle Master and Jam. The mix of drums, bass, keys, and triangle sounds, starts off in a way that makes you think this is going to be quite dark but, once the beat kicks in, it uplifts the tone and gets you head nodding; and you need that because the focus of this track really seems to be the internal struggles of the mind. This is a place so many of us go to where we question what is going on around us, because all we see is negativity, and the mind begins to question its own sanity and its ability to even want to continue. With the stage set, we move on to the album’s title track Demons, which features Freestyle Master. It has a heavy live instrument sound with drums and bass taking the forefront, with some sonic sounds and heavy electric guitar mixed in for good measure, giving this one a raw, rock-rap vibe. The way the sound grates on my mind is the perfect platform for the darkness in the vocals. We all have our own demons to deal with on our journeys through life and, during the times our mind is most vulnerable, are the moments in which these demons can so easily come to the surface. we can then find it so hard to tackle them and our vulnerabilities can allow the demons to take control of that fragile mental state. An eerie piano sound then toys with our nerves but, allows the lyrics to take the centre stage on Exodus, again featuring Freestyle Master. You might think that’s how this one will play out but, the beat kicks in following a sax solo, all of which combine to emphasise the loneliness in which you can find yourself, something the lyrics bring into stark reality as we explore how someone can deal with the pain the demons bring; you would do anything just to numb the pain or to find a place where the demons can’t find you…

Livin Devilish features the legendary figure of Cappo and Solareye, the biggie sample takes us into a heavy head nod vibe that has keys, bass and other sounds that combine to create this reflective sound. Moments of clarity, maybe when you wake first thing in the morning, can allow you to reflect on the things you have done and said, these are the moments that are filled with regret for all the things you have done but, wish you hadn’t. The outcome of this can push you one of two ways, either towards a desire for change or, as so often happens, it creates more stress and anxiety as drag yourself into your day. Drums and piano are the main component of Voices, which creates this feeling within about being lost in your own mind. Freestyle Master joins Steg G here to highlight how those demons in your head can become so strong they take on their own persona and have their own voice. Those voices can become the controlling factor in your live, telling you how to live and that the only one you can trust is the voice itself. There are mental health conditions that can involve voices that only that person can hear, and it is important that these are highlighted and the stigma and discrimination around them is removed.

Vultures features McRoy and has a far more modern grime/trap vibe to it, while still having a heavy sound. The vocals have more pace to the flow and this, in itself, tweaks your nerves as you look to keep pace and listen to the message within. That message is all about those vultures that look to feed off your success, taking little pieces for themselves until it’s all gone, at which point they are the first jump ship and look for the next corpse to feed off. Freestyle Master returns for Scheme Songs which has a heavy sound from drums and a host of multi-layered sounds. The track focuses on the addictions that so often come hand-in-hand when you struggle with your mental health; it’s only when you begin on the road to recovery do you understand when role those addictions played, then it's all about doing what you can to keep yourself in the light and to stop yourself slipping back into the darkness…

Strings, melodic drums, and synth vibes create a deep vibe that seems to grip your heart on Torments of the Flesh. Featuring Empress, Jam, Freestyle Master and Solareye, this is like a posse cut where each emcee opens up and details their own struggles. You get the sense that this one is almost saying to you, ‘you’re not alone,’ ‘we all have our demons, and it is safe for you to speak up.’ Knowing you are not alone is huge and feeling that within the music speaks to you on so many levels. Empress remains here for Saint and Sinners, which has that live instrument vibe to it. You can almost picture dark dusty place where a small band play while Empress grips the mic and speaks one her own struggles through the darkness and the battle of good and evil, to a place where the light ultimately wins out, dispelling the darkness and opening up a new road on life’s journey. The final track of the album is The Grand Plan and feature Freestyle Master, the melodic drums, keys and flute give this one a thoughtful air, allowing you to really focus on the lyrics. Here Steg G and Freestyle Master bounce of each other, line for line, as they take a deep look at what is the acceptance of who you truly are, all the good and the demons too. That acceptance I what can ultimately set you free as the demons no longer control you and perhaps that is what the grand plan truly is, you accepting you for being who you truly are, the one thing that gives you control over your life and can help you stop the influences of the external pressures…

There is no doubt that Demons is a deeply personal and challenging look at struggles of life and how these can have a disturbing impact that can change who we are, how we see ourselves and how others can see us. These changes can make us stop seeing the love and value of all that is around us and can make us want to give up. But we can free ourselves from this by gradually opening up to others, accepting who we are and learning to love ourselves once more. It is never easy to open up and to tell your story and what Demons does is to tell a story that is very personal but, at the same time so relatable to so many of us. Ultimately Demons is an album that makes a bold statement in that it speaks to those of us struggling and shows us that we are not alone. It also speaks to those who may not be struggling, and it asks those people to open their eyes and their hearts and to recognise the pain of others and to be someone who will listen. Because those who struggle only need to find a sympathetic ear to be able to find their voice…

Now, aside from the deep impact this album has there is also a lot more besides that to look at. Musically Steg G has created this stunning sound scape that flows so well and highly listenable and enjoyable, while keeping a very emotive edge to every track in order o help convey the powerful message within the lyrics. Those lyrics from Steg G and those guest artists keep you hanging on their every word as they use emotional and intelligent lyricism to produce some stunning mental images in the mind of the listener and I have to say that I commend Steg G and all those guest artists for delivering what has to be, for me one of the most deeply thought provoking albums I’ve heard this year, if not singly the most thought provoking.

Demons is also a very important album because, as I have said above, it brings a spotlight on to mental health issues and the struggles so many of us go through as we navigate the stormy waters of life’s ocean, and I know this on a personal level too. Demons shows the powerful force that music, in this case Hip Hop, is in being able to convey such important messages; because within the music you can hear one persons story, their ups and downs through live and their ultimate triumph in stepping into the light from the darkness but, beyond that it speaks to those who are also struggling and those who need open their eyes to what others are experiencing. It might tell one story but, it has many messages to many people.

Demons is available now on Powercut Productions in these formats, Limited Edition vinyl, CD and Digital.

I would also like to give a huge thank you to Steg G for sending me this stunning album to give you my thoughts on.

On that note,

I’m Out,

Steve

LINKS

Get Demons from Bandcamp Here:

https://surfacepressure.bandcamp.com/album/demons

Album and Merchandise available from the Steg G Website Here:

https://www.steg-g.com/

Powercut Productions YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@PowercutProductions/featured

Steg G social media links:

https://www.instagram.com/steg.g/

https://twitter.com/Steg_G

https://www.facebook.com/Steg3000

VIDEOS

DEMONS ft Freestyle Master

 

 

 

 

 

Album Review: Down The Local by Various Artists

 

Down The Local

By

Various Artists

 

Down The Local is the latest Album from one the UK’s hottest up and coming record labels. Certain Sound Records has been dropping releases from some of the UK’s dopest artists since 2019. I last featured the label back in May of 2021 when I reviewed Anyone Home? by Montener The Menace.

This latest release by the label promises to be another solid release. Based around the theme of the good and bad trips down the local boozer, it features an impressive line up of some of the UK’s top Hip Hop artists, this includes Deeflux & Miracle, Louie G, Barry Manalog, Cappo, Luther Andross, Ash The Author, DJ Chud (Steel Devils), Gee Bag, Mysdiggi and Chrome.

With a line-up like that there is nothing else to do except put on your shoes, hat and coat and head down the local with me and grab a pint as I guide you through the album…

 

Depending on how old you were when you first stepped into a Pub/Boozer/Bar etc you might have had a different experience. I am old enough to remember them being smoky places filled with a hundred conversations, jukebox music, a Pool table and, on occasions a live band. Then there were the odd occasions when to stepped into a pub somewhere you’d never been and the place when silent as you walked in, everyone eyeing you up, as you uncomfortably made your way to the bar while contemplating where would be the most inconspicuous place to sit. But I digress, siting down at a side table and listening to the myriad of conversations going on around you is probably what we are about to listen to. The fist thing that hits our ears is Deeflux & Miracle with Unquenchable, where piano, guitars and drums combine to bring us this upbeat vibe from Miracle that has you bouncing along as Deeflux takes you down memory lane speaking on experiences of being out with your mate from the earlier experiences to how things changed as you grew up. The next chat that we focus in on is Louie G and Barry Manalog with Stylin Merd. Barry Manalog provides this dark edged beat with drums, horns and keys while Louie G creates this vivid picture of a life where music merges with having a drink, violence, women and more. This picture is constantly moving and balancing between the good and the bad moments. Taking a sip of our own drink and blink to momentarily clear our eyes, we see the legendary figure of Cappo alongside Luther Andross. Ellar has the drum beat at the forefront with this almost orchestra sound floating in the background giving a vibe that has a chilled edge but also a sharpness to it, keeping your awareness focus on the lyrics. Cappo who speaks on life and gathering the knowledge that allows him to keep his lyrics sharp and relatable. You wonder what this has to do with the local boozer but you realise this is exactly what the kind of conversation you might hear or even have sat with friends over a quiet drink. Realising that I might need a break, I’m about nip to the loo when I spot Deeflux & Miracle featuring Ash The Author and Gee Bag who are about to Reel Me Back In for one more chat. Miracle drops this deep funky beat with drums and guitars while Deeflux, Ash and Gee Bag drop a verse each on the ups and downs of life, chewing the fat as we all do, this is as relatable to me as it is to them and any of you but, now it’s definitely time to nip to the loo before flipping to side two…

 

Settling back in your seat, now refreshed, things have changed and ambience has shifted as everyone has switched seats and brand new conversations now fill the air around you. The first thing you hone in on is Barry Manalog and Ash The Author featuring Mysdiggi and DJ Chud with Same as it Ever Was. The faint sounds of underground trains filter into your ears before a heavy drum beat drops alongside razor sharp cuts and some funky bass, all this mixes into a banging head nod vibe from Barry Manalog that permeates your whole body. Ash and Mysdiggi expertly speak on the late-night escapades that might go on in the city centres around the pub, clubs and those areas out of reach of the lights and cameras. Still buzzing, you notice that Cappo and Luther Andross are still huddled in a dark corner, now they turn their attention to NYE. Andross brings a chilled beat that is piano heavy, creating a vibe that carries you along while giving the vocals of Cappo the spotlight. Cappo’s intelligent lyrics speak on the almost unacknowledged influence that UK Hip Hop artists have and how so many overlook that fact, choosing to look to the US Hip Hop artists, while forgetting what is in their own back garden. There is no disrespect for anyone here just a reminder to look as close to home as you do further afield. With those thoughts lodged in your immediate awareness you realise that Louie G and Barry Manalog have once more sat down on the table next to you discussing Milty. The beat is this a combination of drums, bass and a collection of sounds that flow in and out of your awareness. This vibe has you floating along as Louie G lays in on the line about his life, music and how you need to be aware of those around you, no matter where you are and what you’re doing, just be yourself and be the best you can be at whatever you do. Before you know it, Barry Manalog is joined, once more, by Ash The Author and DJ Chud for some Modern Day Jazz Crumpet. Barry mixes up drums, keys, and Xylophone notes to create this light jazzy vibe while Chud cuts with ease over the top. Ash gets up on the table to regale the whole place with all manner of tales about his experiences, while simultaneously raising the roof and getting everyone out their chairs. It appears that things not gonna simmer down anytime soon, even though the night is drawing to a close but, it’s not quite over yet as it’s time for a lock-in with Deeflux and Miracle alongside Chrome dropping Oovavoo on the place. Miracle’s beat is heavy with plenty of funked up bass and horns getting the whole place rocking and blowing the roof off. Deeflux and Chrome drop the kinda performance that has everyone focused on them as they drop verse after verse and line after line about whatever takes their fancy, it’s all about rounding the night off with some dope Hip Hop that does one thing, unites the whole spot, forgetting all the beef and just having a good time…

 

You have to admit that was one hell of a night Down The Local, that’s for sure. In fact, what it does do is bring a whole new meaning to popping Down The Local. Certain Sound Records have gathered together some of the cream of the UK crop, given them a focus and then let them loose. The result is an album that either see’s you sat in the pub listening or even looking on at the antics of others as you create this mental picture of what’s going on.

Everything here is quality and shows the calibre and diversity of UK artists out there right now and this is just a small selection. The production, as you might expect from three of the UK’s finest, is all top notch here and keeps the album flowing perfectly from top to bottom. The sound is solid Hip Hop throughout, especially adding DJ Chud to the mix, and keeps the energy levels up though most of the album. There are moments where the energy levels subside a bit but, not enough to lose you. Vocally there is a great mix of style on display here that either bounce off one another, complement each other or both. Everything is delivered with a love of their craft and a desire to give the listener something fresh to swing to.

This is one of those albums that is a joy to listen to and a joy to write about as it just helps the words to flow. This is one of those I don’t need to write too much about because I want you to listen to it and enjoy it as much as I did.

Down The Local is out now on digital and limited Vinyl.

Huge thanks to Barry Manalog for sending this one my way.

One that note,

I’m Out, See Ya,

Steve

 

LINKS

Get the album via Certain Sound Records Bandcamp Page Here:

https://certainsoundrecords.bandcamp.com/album/down-the-local-2

Certain Sound Records YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@certainsoundrecords5454

 Certain Sound Records on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/certainsoundrecords

Certain Sound Records on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/certainsound_records/

VIDEOS

Down The Local (Promo)

Milty - Louie G & Barry Manalog