EP Review + Bonus: The B-Line EP Vol.5 & Sunshine Single by Specifik X Chrome

 

B-Line EP Vol. 5

By

Various Artists

Bonus – Sunshine by Specifik x Chrome

 

Now this review is probably gonna come as a surprise to most people as I have not told anyone I’m doing this one. The B-Line EP series has been going since way back in 2013, and I happen to own volumes 3 and 4 which were gifted to me by Specifik at the first ever Rope-A-Dope for being the unofficial photographer on the day. It is the B-Line EP series that gave me one of my favourite UK tracks to date, Painkiller by Chrome and Illinspired ft Whirlwind D and Super JB which featured on Volume 4.

These EP’s have always been packed with top notch Hip Hop bangers to really get your adrenaline levels ramped up, giving you an insight into the some of the cream of the underground UK Hip Hop scene.

As a bonus I am going to give you my take on the hot new single Sunshine from Specifik and Chrome, so keep reading for that little bonus. I’m not going to give you any insight into who features on this one so read on for the lowdown.

So, without further ado, let’s get into it…

 

It all kicks off with a track that has been resurrected from the early 2000’s, Microphone Mathematics comes from the one and only Krash Slaughta and features Louis Falasha, Remark and Bandog. As you can probably guess this one hits max levels from the get-go as Krash hits us with a pulse pounding mix of horns and an infectious beat, alongside a wealth of cuts, scratches, and much more getting your body moving and your head nodding. This one is a trat for the eardrums and gives you exactly what you expect by adding three mics together, then multiplying by two turntables, dividing between four legendary figures, and subtracting nothing at all. Working this all out means the answer is total enjoyment and the freshest thing since sliced bread. If you were in any doubt as to whether things might ease back after that, think again as a huge beat explodes in your ears for Molar Rameses from Beattrix featuring the man Junior Disprol. This one has your adrenaline levels pushing past the red levels as Junior Disprol seizes your mind and rips your awareness apart with the kind of lyrical mastery that is second to none. All the while the beat kicks, the cuts slice, and the samples bring in the one Kool Keith. All in all, this one pushes your heart to the point of bursting with its shear hip hop purity. Now its time to bring the pulse levels down a little but, increasing the energy that vibrates through the body as Specifik and The Doozer bring us The Grift with beat that literally shakes the walls and the very core of your being. The guitars add a nice little edge while the beep monitors your heart rate. This one has The Doozer laying it all about those who engage in the swindling of the masses. Dropping little nuggets of information that form a larger scale misdirection, sucking people into their propaganda without even knowing it. The message here is really not to trust anything to hear in the media or from sources that stand close to the powers that be. Next up is Whirlwind D, Franky Roar and Djar One with International Swagger. This one has a heavy but laid-back beat with an orchestral backdrop that puts you in mind of some James Bond, espionage vibes, while the cuts hit with laser like precision. Whirlwind D seems to slip into his Double Agents persona here delivering intricate and intellectual lyrics that appear to show the trio promote their Hip Hop swagger while keeping their cloak and dagger exploits well and truly in the shadows; their one focus to prove to the world that Hip Hop lives through B-Line Business. The A-Side rounds off with Dancin’ With Life by Chrome. Time to take things to a more funk fuelled vibe as the multi-layered beat gets the energy levels pounding big time with a huge dancefloor sound. Listening to this one is not just infectious but, it takes over your whole body and mind, helping you understand that, through the music, you can feel how it intoxicates us all the same, making us move to the beat and feel the positive vibes that can easily unite us all.

Take to flip the wax over and continue this ride with Paul Nice (Fabreeze Brothers) featuring AG (D.I.T.C. & Show and A.G.) with For Old Times Sake. A pounding beat and big horns combine with razor-sharp cuts to bring the kind of sound that gets the head nodding from the get-go and screams Hip Hop from the roof tops. AG brings that golden era Hip Hop lyricism, with a hint of braggadocio for good measure, making it known that sometimes, you just gotta do things one more time for old times’ sake. This kinda speaks for itself right here so enjoy. Now, you might think its gonna be hard to follow that but, now its time for the UK’s legendary Evil Ed to step up with Every Time, which features Habitat, Chrome, Cappo and Donnie Proppa, and that line up alone gets the pulse racing. The beat is heavy with a dash or two of cuts and a chilled out horn sound that gets the head nodding while bringing a focus to the lyrics. The message in this one is pretty simple and is all about the universal language of Hip Hop. The message is in the combination of the lyrics and the music that all comes together in one cohesive moment, just as the diverse peoples of the world can all come together, and it is the universal love of music that does it every time. Next Up is Miracle and Deeflux with I Forgot, bringing a heavy funk vibe to proceedings with a wicked beat with guitar and keys, combining with slick cuts for the kinda sound that gets you swaying. This one might sound like a little journey into one person’s forgetfulness but, there is a deeper part to this if you really listen to Deeflux. It speaks on how forgetfulness can be a precursor to something much more challenging for a family and it is important to be aware of this, because things such as dementia can affect us all so deeply. After such a deep edge to the last track, the B-Line EP Vol 5 rounds off with a due who got together back before B-Line Recordings, Specifik and Project Cee with The Medley. The beat on this one really takes you back to those early days. This one takes you places you might have forgotten as Specifik lays down some slick breaks that many of you will remember while Project Cee gives us the kind of lyrics that remind us of why we fell in love with Hip Hop in the first place. The Medley, which was originally recorded back in 2002 for live shows only between 2002-2004, is a reminder of what can be achieved by those who have a deep love for the music and what to create something out of that love for those who share that love, the love of Hip Hop…

 

What the B-Line EP Vol. 5 does is to take you from the shores of the UK, across the pond and back again. It gives you the kind of experience that, felt to me like experiencing the live Rope-A-Dope events on vinyl, it really had that vibe about it. It was a treat for Hip Hop music lovers that really felt like B-Line Recordings was putting out something for the fans as much as anything. This EP does not just celebrate UK or US Hip Hop but, brings you the kind of listening experience that leaves you breathless and wanting much more. This EP has the calibre of artists that gets you excited just by reading the hype sticker on the cover, just as each one has done over the years and yeah, I must get Vols 1 and 2 sometime too.

I’m not gonna say too much about this one because, for me, the EP speaks for itself, and I have probably said enough about it already. So, it you have heard this one already, then you will know exactly what I’m talking about, and if you have not heard it yet, then why not? You need to get on this one now, because this release is what B-Line Recordings is all about, giving you, the listener the best audible experience you can get, and reminding you that Hip Hop music is alive and well here in the UK and beyond.

The B-Line EP Vol 5 is available now and there are still a few vinyl’s out there so jump on this one quick.

 

Now it’s time for that bonus review of the latest single release from B-Line Recordings, Sunshine (Gotta Get Away) by Specifik x Chrome.

This one has a nice heavy beat with chilled out Guitar, bongos, Horns and more. When all combined this one has such an upbeat sound, especially with that sung chorus, that really does put you in mind of those summer vibes, listening to dopest beats. Chrome reminisces and takes us back to the eighties with memories of breakin’, electro beats, and playing your tapes so much they got distorted or broke. There will be many of us older heads out there who will be touched by this one, it reminds me of the days we would hop on the train from Southampton to London, to check out all the big stores for new trainers and then tour the independent and second hand music stores, trying to find the latest releases or something we had been wanting for a while. We even tagged the trains and buses along the way, because that’s what we did back then, those were the days…

Specifik and Chrome have really knocked this one out the park and created a single that is not just something that has that summer anthem vibe but, it really takes you back to a time when you were younger, had little to care about except what Hip Hop culture was all about.

For me, Sunshine (Gotta Get Away) takes the biscuit as the number one summer track. It is also out on a very limited run of 30 7” vinyl, so catch one of you can (Think these are now all sold out! Sorry Peeps).

 

I have to give huge shouts here to Shaun Dowling at Hip Hop Be Bop for giving me the chance to bring you my take on the EP and to Specifik for the single promo, which I just had to include here.

 

So, till next time, Enjoy the sunshine and the B-Line Business.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab Your Copies of Both Below:

https://thecoldkrush.bigcartel.com/product/various-artists-the-b-line-ep-vol-5-12-b-line-recordings-bln041

https://hiphopbebop.com/product/various-artists-the-b-line-ep-vol-5/

https://thecoldkrush.bigcartel.com/product/specifik-sunshine-gotta-get-away-featuring-chrome

Specifik on Bandcamp:

https://djspecifik.bandcamp.com/

Chrome on Bandcamp:

https://chrome.bandcamp.com/music

VIDEOS

Sunshine (Gotta Get Away)

 

 

 

 

Album Review: Off Planet by Chrome Plus

 

Off Planet

By

Chrome Plus

 

I have always had a bit of thing when it comes to Hip Hop backed by live instruments, something that goes all the way back to Stetsasonic and when I first heard that Norwich emcee/producer/DJ Chrome was doing just that, it’s fair to say I was a little excited. Then in November of 2021 it was my pleasure to review the debut single by Chrome Plus, Popcorn b/w Pieces Will Align.

Now fast forward to today and, with the imminent release of the debut album from Chrome Plus, I get to sink my ears into that album, Off Planet. If you missed the original review of the single, let me just let you know who Chrome Plus is, Michael (Chrome) Walkeden, Phil Critten, Tom Hanna and Justin Bennitt, and what these guys do is mix up live bass and guitars with additional production elements and, of course, a dose of cuts from Chrome and JB.

Off Planet features some addition production from Mr Fantastic (ae Productions) and Rockid Sound Machine, plus some additional cuts and scratches from Technical J and Mr Wonderful. Mixed and mastered by JB, the album is released through AE Productions and features cover art from Lucy Alice Winter and design by Ian C Taylor.

Now, with all that said and with a sizeable seventeen tracks (including three remixes and an alternate version) to get through, join me as I go Off Planet with Chrome Plus…

Note: I am working from the mix for the cassette version of the album so, this is mainly mixed together, with few breaks between the tracks on each side so, I will write accordingly with no breaks until I flip sides. It is also worth me noting here that the two Remixes of Gone Is The Day, that round off the album, are exclusive to the limited cassette version and not the vinyl, which is a great reason to grab both…

The album opens with the first single to be released, Gone Is The Day and this is the album version as the single featured two remixes of the track, which you will get to hear rounding off the album. Drums, guitars and bass all merge to bring you a thumping vibe that feels like a Rock and Hip Hop mash-up which moves the very essence of who you are. Chrome’s lyrics here describe someone of the older generation, looking back over life while sat in the present moment but, that present moment is a place where the good times seem to have past and the now is a confusing place where everything is confusing, and the sun has abandoned life to be replaced by grey clouds and rain. However, the dark times are just a figment of the imagination of someone who is not quite grasping the way the world around them has progressed, the good times are still there, you just have to be open minded. With that thought in mind we move directly into Off Planet Radio, which kind of serves as the albums intro. We get tuned across a few random stations featuring a host of different sounds and vibes before settling on Chrome’s Off Planet Radio intro but, there is not time to even think about what might be next is it’s straight into Fantastic, co-produced by Mr Fantastic, a wicked boom bap beat is backed by heavy rock guitar, deep bass, and plenty of cuts, to create a sound that will get you bouncing around without abandon. Chrome ups the pace on the vocals here as he drops the kind of party banger that will have your head in the clouds and your energy levels pushed beyond the limits of what this planet can contain. From here we move into Popcorn (JB’s Remix), this remix of the first single from Chrome Plus sees JB bring jazzy vibe of bass and drums, alongside some furious cuts, to the track. This sound elevates the track and energy into the atmosphere as Chrome spits his classic rapid-fire vocals which uplift you even more as he breaks it down about just what Chrome Plus is all about and what they are bringing to the party. Next up is Hole In My Pocket and we are eased into this one but, as the sound begins to come in, there is this feeling of an electro vibe mixed with Jean Michel-Jarre but, before we know it a funky sound kicks in and we are getting down to the sound, which mixes those live instruments with some electronic vibes. Here we find Chrome looking at some aspects of life where the bigger the hole, the less we can actually see. It might be frustrations with the music industry or money but, the deeper into the hole w get, the harder it is to see a way forward or a way out of the situation. The best way we can progress is to keep moving and find our own needle and thread to seal up that hole and make a more positive way forward the main vision. Formulate is a short musical interlude where all those elements of Chrome Plus come together for a short, almost meditative, expression of those live instruments. You can close your eyes for a few seconds and feel that musical energy in its purest form. Next up we have the B-side from the debut single, Pieces Will Align. The mix of organ notes and drums, alongside the live guitar and bass brings the kinda sound you want to nod your head to but, there is also this vibe that grabs your attention and makes you want to listen. Chrome slows his pace, ever so slightly, as he delivers a deeper message, one that seems to focus on the fractured nature of reality and life around us. In nearly every aspect of life, entertainment and music, there are many facets that don’t appear to fit. It is like for every piece of perfection there is an equal or opposite imperfection. But what if we could turn back the hands of time, find those imperfections and align all those pieces, what then? Reverberate comes with a mix of cuts, bass, drums and more that vibrates through your mind as Chrome continues the focus on aspects of time but, here its all about how changing things has the potential to reverberate a lot further that you can imagine. It’s like the theory that changing elements of the past could affect the future, the same can be said of many things like, if you change how, you make your music, it has the potential to change not just your thoughts but, also those of anyone who listens to your music. The final track of this first part of the journey culminates with Land of the Lost, this is a DJ track that sees Chrome and JB joined by Technical J and Mr Wonderful for a track that has a wicked drum beat over which we are treated to a truly stunning example of turntablism from all involved, with a little appearance from Chrome just reminding us that this is a little bit of scratch therapy, and one that is sorely needed, in my humble opinion…

Time to flip to part two of what is already something truly special, who knows what’s to come in the next twenty-five minutes or so. Well, if I’m honest, I have an idea as I’ve immersed myself in this a few times already but, you get what I’m sayin.’

Gamma Ray begins this next part of our trip with Chrome Plus and this guitar driven instrumental has you feeling like you are floating in zero gravity, with not a care in the world, just floating and letting time ease by but, there is no need to chill for too long because the bass and drums, with a little guitar, heralds the start of Be There, a funky vibe with the kind of drum beat that gets you bouncing once more. Chrome delivers what is a perfect expression of what it is to be in a relationship with someone you truly love. All those ups and downs you go through and how you support each other. I have not heard a better way of explaining how you feel and see a relationship from your own point of view. With those thoughts seeping into your awareness, the sound switches to another musical interlude. Is There Anybody Out There? has a more industrial vibe about it and almost acts as an audible pallet cleanser before the sound of Soap Box explodes into your awareness with this huge bass sound. The drums hit hard while the bass is eases back and the electric guitars take more to the forefront, combining to make a sound which has a Hip Hop/Punk kinda vibe about it, and rightly so, as Chrome steps up to sound off on all the things he sees around him that serve to grate on his nerves. He simply says what so many of us are feeling about society as we go about our days, and he uses his music as a way to express those feelings and stop the pressure building too far. We are then straight into what is probably the final original track of the album, Outpost 96 which begins with an electronic spacey kinda vibe with rapid drums, bass, and much more besides. This instrumental track takes you beyond the confines of the solar system and into deep space, leaving your minds to conjure up just what you might encounter along the way. Soon, electronic guitar notes bring you back to the here and now for a reworking of Chromes 2020 track GO! The GO! (Chrome Plus vs Rockid Sound Machine) has a cracking sound like mariachi vibe alongside a head nod drum beat that is just sublime. Chrome’s rapid-fire vocals see him speak on how he approaches his music, constantly experimenting and evolving his approach while enjoying what he does and maintaining a balance and connection to his audience. This is such a great reworking of the original that takes it to a whole new level while maintaining the message of the original. Next up we have two remixes of Gone is the day, these were the two that were recently released as the first single release from the album. First up is Gone Is The Day (Lieu’s Future Proof Remix ft Sleeps’s Cousin), this remix has a more guitar heavy rock vibe, which takes nothing away from the original but, adds a little more vibrancy and a verse from Sleep’s Cousin. That additional verse adds a little extra dimension with Sleep’s Cousin adding his own take on the frustration of life around him, fitting perfectly with the vibe of the track. The final track is Gone Is The Day (JB’s Transformer Remix), This takes the original and sees JB give it a transformer scratch rework. This creates this sound that at times seems industrial and then, gives it a far heavier pounding Hip Hop sound, mixing things up and giving you an assault on your senses, keeping you bouncing and breathless by the end…

 

I can’t sum this up right now with saying, Damn! That was something. Now, I have been fortunate to review some stunning albums this year and I’ve said it more than once already, I Think, But this has to be another strong contender for album of the year. It just takes all your conceptions of what a Hip Hop album is, blows them out the water and them puts them back together in a way that should not fit but, it does, and it does it with aplomb.

While I was writing this there was this little thought that occurred to me about this album, I’m not sure if it was intended or not but, indulge me for a minute or two.

So, the album begins with this guy who appears in a pretty dark place, confused, and possibly depressed by what he sees around him. Then, suddenly, he lets the music in and is transported off on this wild journey through space and time, totally changing his own awareness and understanding of what he sees around him. His choice to let the energy of the music in, creates a new openness within him, to such an extent that he is able to look at where he was at the beginning, reframing his initial thoughts from two different stand points and seeing how it now changes how he sees life’s progression, just by changing his energy, and even when there was the addition of another voice that was almost juxtaposed to his own views, the positive energy allowed him to see things in a different light…

Like I say, I’m not sure if I’m just seeing that or it was intentional but, this is what it said to me as I thought of the overall vibe of the album.

Off Planet is truly a stunning release that perfectly merges Hip Hop with live instruments and inspirational input from other genres, while creating a sound that is unique to Chrome Plus. They really seem to have cracked it, in terms of what they were intending on creating as a group. Chrome and JB’s experience within Hip Hop, mixed with the live interments of Phil and Tom come together in a way that just works so well. The Hip Hop vibe merging with the vibrant energy of the live instruments allows to feel the sound on many levels, it just seems to electrify your entire being with positive energy. That energy is apparent throughout the album, even when Chrome is touching on the more negative aspects of the world around us, that energy keeps raising you up and keeps you there.

Mixing up the album with instrumental tracks and those with Chrome’s distinctive voice, flows and wordplay, just gave it that added dimension that meant that everything flowed and worked so well together. Yes, you do need to go into this album without an expectation for what you’re about to hear but, do that and I can pretty much guarantee that you are going to be blown away by this because it gives you a dose of everything you want. In fact, all I need now is to experience Chrome Plus live on stage, as the live music experience is likely to be the cherry on the cake.

If you sleep on this one, you might as well stay asleep…

 

Off Planet is available later today, 24th May, on the always awesome ae Productions label, with digital, vinyl and cassette options available too.

My huge thanks to Chrome and Mr Fantastic for the giving me the chance to bring you my take on this stunning slice UK dopeness…

I’ll see you when I’m next on planet earth.

Steve.

LINKS

Order from ae Productions website here:

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

Grab from Chrome Plus Bandcamp here:

https://chromeplus.bandcamp.com/album/off-planet

ChromePlus on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chromeplusmusic/

ae Productions on Instagram:

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

VIDEOS

Gone is the Day (Lieu's Future-Proof Remix ft Sleeps Cousin)

 

 

 

 

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

 

Album Review: Starling by C-Froo

 

Starling

By

C-Froo

 

It was way back in May 2021 that I last featured Bristol’s C-Froo when I reviewed his last album, Unit Three. Now see’s the release of his fourth album, Starling, which dropped two weeks ago on streaming and Bandcamp.

The album is primarily produced by Joe Bird but also features production from 'Riski Le Bizniz' (One Cut, Hombre Records), Master Chef and Chrome (Def Tex, Chrome+), there are also vocals from Miss Cherie and international reggae artist, Da Fuchaman.

Starling promises to be a cracking album as C-Froo describes the album as being full of “deep stuff, dark stuff and dancey stuff. There's storytelling, satire, and social commentary. It's a dip into my world and a satisfying listen.” With the man himself describing it this way, there is a lot to look forward to so, let’s not mess about here, come join me as I take through the album…

 

Profound Statement opens the album featuring Miss Cherie on the chorus. Joe Bird’s production features bass, keys, and drums which all mix together to create this deep vibe that had me nodding along as I listened intently to the words. This one really strikes me as a look at life through the eyes of C-Froo, where its all about never standing still and making life the best it can be while doing what you love but, also remembering to keep yourself grounded and to get too caught up in what life brings. Miss Cherie brings these etheric vocals that almost seem to act like your conscious, speaking to you when you need it and keeping you on track. If you floated off a bit at the start there then the funky vibe of Unit Three plus back down, realigning your focus. The bass and drums have you bobbing along as you listen. Unit Three is a place where everyone needs to be, where positivity is the key and inner peace is the ultimate goal. I guess the thing is, how do you get there? C-Froo speaks about where you want to be and also provides the path to get there through the track itself. Music can take you to these places and help you open the door. Now you’re in a happy place it’s time for a Welcome To The Funhouse. The upbeat mood comes from flute, keys, bass, and drums that keeps you in this place where you just wanna move. C-Froo brings a smile to your face as he takes a wealth of children’s program titles, new and old, and weaves them into something that has your mind working overtime, not just on the storyline but, also on reminiscing on all those old programs.

With a grin still planted fairly and squarely on your face, Piano and drums are the backdrop for the head nod. I Like When It’s Excessive keeps the smile on your face But, this time for a different reason, as C-Froo has you reminiscing once more. But here it’s all about the crazy things you used to get up to in your younger days. As you cast your mind back, alongside C-Froo, the smile is tinged with concern as you wonder what effect the fun excessive times might have had on you? Well, I guess it might have concern for some but, no reason you can’t enjoy the memories at the same time. Just while you are in that place of excess, one thing you get excessive with is Cheese, and here we have a mind-bending sound of drums and piano that creating a short that kinda reminds you of the weird euphoric state you can get into eating cheese… or is that just me?

Next up is the first track of the album not produced by Joe Bird as production on Just Cool comes from Riski Le Bizniz. The track also features Da Fuchaman alongside C-Froo as they both break it down about just what it is to be just cool. It’s as simple as that and they do it in true style over this reggae infused boom bap style beat of drums, bass, and electronic sounds. You just gotta enjoy this one, ya feel. Next up, Joe Bird brings a solid beat of drums, piano notes, and bells, creating this heavy beat that also tweaks the nerves, just a little. On The Anti-Candyman we find C-froo opening up about how hard the music scene is and offering plenty of advice to those other artists out there about the most effective ways to make it. This is not about being some freaky figure from the dark side, taking out other artists. Here it is all about offering a hand, an olive branch of solid advice, here, it’s all about being a beacon of light and giving, not taking away. Drums and horns create this melodic sound that draws you into Blood On The Tracksuits, a deep dark story of one youth caught up in the struggles of inner-city life. This could be the story of any number of youngers, barely teenagers, get used by gangs and being promised the highlife, while being used and abused.

With the struggles of the youth still lodged in our minds, heavy drums with a middle eastern vibe pull of minds back to the moment. The heavy beat, from Riski Le Bizniz and Master Chef, has you bouncing around once more as C-Froo schools us to finer points of what he notes is My Technique. This one is all about the music and enjoying each and every second. DJ Riski Le Bizniz provides the cuts that slice through your fragile awareness. The penultimate track see’s the one and only Chrome on production and cuts for Britcore On Chrome. The beat and the cuts are all high octane, as are C-Froo’s vocals, and the focus of this one is that heavy hardcore, britcore, Hip Hop vibe. This is one to savour as its got the flavour and it’s not for the raver. Moving into the final track of the album, we have A Vision Of Utopia, taking us out. The drums are softer here with Piano taking the forefront, this creates a calming effect before the drums kick in with some pace for a short outro. C-Froo’s vocals create this vision in the mind of summer festival vibe with everyone on a euphoric vibe, enjoying themselves and doing just what they wanna do with no drama, the music bringing that sense of utopia…

 

This is another cracking album from C-Froo. I mean there is so much to like here as it takes you on a proper trip through modern day life. It delivers exactly what it promises by showing you the stark reality of inner-city life in contrast to the more upbeat and lighter side of life. C-Froo once more displays a solid rhyme style while mixing up the flows, styles and genres. He always delivers his words with dexterity, backed up with the knowledge and integrity. There is also a good amount of emotive feeling running throughout the album which adds to the depth and helps the listener to associate with what they are hearing. When he is talking on the music industry everything is written and delivered in such a way that you can easily understand and vibe with.

The production here from Joe Bird, Riski Le Bizniz, Master Chef and Chrome does exactly what in needs to do by drawing the listener into each track and then carrying them throughout by delivering the exact vibe or feeling being put across in C-Froo’s words. You get to hear that the roots of the music are in Hip Hop but, along the way there are elements of other influances too, all of which ad depth and feeling to the album as it flows through your awareness.

Although there are only a couple of guest artists on the album they do bring so much. Miss Cherie brings some beautiful vocals that brings an emotive edge while Da Fuchaman, who C-Froo tours with as bassist, brings that intense reggae sound and a huge energy and strength.

Overall, Starling is a solid Hip Hop album that immerses the listener in the world as seen by C-Froo, who takes you into takes you on a vocal and musical rollercoaster ride that leaves you on high but, knowing that the twists and turns of life are always in front of you and the best you can do is face them on a firm footing for both you and the sake of others. This is an album to both enjoy and to savour and that do it all again.

My thanks to C-Froo for sending this my way. Starling is out now on all good streaming platforms.

Time for me to be outta here,

See Ya,

Steve.

LINKS

Get Starling from C-Froo on Bandcamp Here:

https://cfroo.bandcamp.com/album/starling

Starling on Spotify Here:

https://open.spotify.com/album/3nMpCVDRyD42Iv2OI6m1W3?si=ghpLusoGTqKffv2TZzLaQw&utm_source=copy-link&nd=1

VIDEOS

Unit 3

Profound Statement ft Miss Cherie

 

 Just Cool ft Da Fuchaman

Britcore On Chrome