Album Review: Overview Effect by FR4NKIE

 

Overview Effect

By

FR4NKIE

 

Overview Effect is the latest release from Manchester, UK Grime artist FR4NKIE. This album is his sophomore release and will mark the first time I have reviewed a full album from the grime genre. The album includes features from underground artists including LPNoID, Illy From Da NW Side, Cosmo Laurie, Trapson, Dizmack, Masovelli, and Manchester Hypes. Production comes from Trolley Snatcha and promises to blend Road Rap and Grime influences with such elements as Folk and Guitar music as a backdrop to showcase FR4NKIE’s versatility.

Now before I get into the album it seems only right that I detail some background on FR4NKIE for you. The Manchester based artist was formerly know by the name XP Burstgang, and over the years he has achieved international recognition for his contributions to the Grime scene. Alongside collaborations with the likes of Mike Skinner and President T, his career has also seen victories in Lord of the Mics and Red Bull’s Grime-A-Side. Although his roots are in the Grime scene, he has also built a diverse discography that spans the likes of Trap, Drill, and some genre-defying ballads. This latest release draws on the experience gained throughout his career to bring a release that has a well-rounded and mature approach to street music.

So, with that said, let’s get into Overview Effect…

The album kicks off with To Be Frank, featuring LPNoID, the organ notes ease you into this one but, soon the heavy bass hits, ramping up the energy but, retaining those organ notes which bring an eerie and almost dark quality. This one see’s FR4NKIE taking us into the realities of street life in the UK, hence the dark tone of the track, because there are so many aspects of the street life in the UK cites that bring pain and violence, all in the name of making money. With those visions of the stark reality imprinted on your awareness, Brick In The Wall brings a sound that merges that street beat mixed with the folk guitar vibe that has a reflective edge to it. There is a touching element to this track which looks deeply at the struggles of living in a society that is set-up to keep most of us down. In our desire to be all we can be and to rebel against those who judge us, we often lose friends and loved ones along the way but, it is their memories that often keep us striving for more, rather than giving in and choosing to take that one step that will make us fall. Next up is Simon Says which features Illy from da NWside. Here the sound is back to that more classic grime sound with heavy bass, but with a mix of guitar and electronic vibes that tweak your nerves, just a little. The lyrics are delivered with more than a drop of venom and seem to be a demonstration of lyrical prowess of both artists. There is also a heavy dose of that street mentality and vibe here reflecting the reality of what many refuse to see.

Another Day In Britain keeps that grime vibe but, there are elements to the sound that really give this one a reflective air to it. It’s the kind of focused sound that helps you pay attention to what is being said, and here FR4NKIE has a lot to say; it’s a track that really mirrors the voice of so many of us these days. It might just seem like this is just a shot across the bow of the establishment but, more than that, it is the voice of the youth, the voice of those who are unheard in society. This is the voice that needs to be heard by those who refuse and chose not to listen. Janis Joplin merges the heavy bass grime sound with some melodic organ notes, which has the strange effect of making you almost just want to sit back, close your eyes, and listen. There are elements here that make this one seem like a homage to the late great blues singer. However, as you listen there is much about FR4NKIE’s own musical journey here too and that could well link to the inspiration of Janis. Guitars take the forefront on Benzema producing this melodic and atmospheric sound that you can easily lose yourself in. This one seems to flip the idea of the classic ballad as FR4NKIE brings us a track which is seemingly focused on being the best, which is mirrored, metaphorically speaking, by Real Madrid’s Karim Banzema and his achievement of winning the Ballon D’or in football.

Walk Through Fire features Cosmo Laurie and Trapson alongside FR4NKIE over a beat that has a more LoFi Hip Hop vibe with head nod drums, bass guitar and a multi-layered sound that has a chilled quality. This one really seems to take a look at the key experiences we have in growing up, the kind of situations that shape and mould us into who we are, these situations are not always easy but, we remember them and the strength they gave us to get to where we are. With that retrospective vibe still present the sound of rain enters our awareness with easy going keys, when the drum beat hits, the sound still retains a chilled element for One Of Them. This one has that ballad feel to it as FR4NKIE take us on a self-reflective journey that looks at mental health and how we can be too hard on ourselves, which is very much a result of our life experiences in growing up. The message here is really to lighten up and be easy on ourselves, this way we can be more our true selves. Is That You Yeah features Dizmack and Masovelli and has a more heavy bass sound to it which is underpinned by synth and strings to provide a more energetic vibe. This one was far more difficult to read as there was a lot of reflective thoughts and visions of how people are treated but, there is also a lot about striving to be better and believing in yourself.

We move into the final two tracks of the album with the penultimate track Mess, featuring Manchester Hypes, this one has a heavy bassline backed by electronic notes that play with your awareness, which works well with the titles of the track. Living in an urban environment seems to be getting worse and this track speaks on that by noting you see around you or experience day-to-day in the cities. There is violence on the rise, rubbish, pain and suffering all around, it’s a mess but, there is a yin and yang to everything and its not doom and gloom but, it us that has the power to change it. Moving into the final track, On My Own has guitar that takes the to the forefront alongside the drumbeat. Once more there is a reflective vibe to this one, which fits perfectly here with the deeply personal nature of the track. FR4NKIE looks back over some of his toughest struggles and shows how he work through these on his own by drawing on his internal strength to get him through.

 

Firstly, I have to backtrack a bit here. Earlier, in my intro, I noted this was the first grime album I would have reviewed But, after listening to the full album it is clear that this is not just a grime album, there are influences here from many genres including grime, Hip Hop, drill, trap and even EDM, making this a cross-genre album that may very well appeal to many different ears.

This was also a great challenge for me and was definitely not the easiest album I have ever reviewed. There are some musical influences here that are not genres that I ordinarily listen to, and I have never really gelled with the likes of EDM, for example, it was just a challenge to immerse myself in something different and find my own way to interpret what I was hearing. It is clear from the many influences that FR4NKIE is an accomplished artist who is more than able to mix up his rap styles and flows, using his chosen wordplay style to great effect to convey his messages. The use of his own personal experiences, some of which are deeply personal, gives this one an authentic and relatable edge, something that will appeal to many people even if the sound is not immediately to their liking.

There are some great features here and although none of the names are familiar to me, everyone of them works well on the individual tracks and alongside FR4NKIE. There are no points where anyone feels out of place, and they all display their own individual and unique rap talent.

The production is solid and provides the perfect musical backdrop. The wealth of influences really comes through here and shows an adept quality by Trolley Snatcha that reflects someone who has collaborated with the likes of Chase & Status and Flux Pavillion but, is willing to go beyond the type of music that he would normally be associated with and produce some more experimental work.

The title of the album, Overview Effect, comes from an experience that is described by astronauts, while in space and looking back at earth. Described as “a cognitive shift” and “a state of awe with self-transcendent qualities”, you can see why this was chosen as the title as FR4NKIE has put his experiences across life and the challenges of the working class in the UK today into and musical trip that touches on such themes as drug abuse and falling into a life of crime, alongside his musical journey and the cross genre sounds; something which, to me, is as much a cognitive shift as you can get in the underground music scene.

I definitely recommend you give this a listen, because I know there are people who are gonna love this but, also, as much as it was a challenge to me to step outside my normal box and listen to something completely different, I would say give it a listen before you judge it based solely on you own musical tastes, because you might be surprised.

The Overview Effect is released independently and is out now on all streaming platforms.

My thanks to William from the BH.WAV brand for bringing this one to my attention.

 

I’ll see ya next time,

Steve

LINKS

Grab the album on Bandcamp Here:

https://fr4nkie.bandcamp.com/album/the-overview-effect

Link for streaming sites, socials and more:

https://linktr.ee/fr4nkie365

VIDEOS

Another Day In Britain

 

 

 

Album Review: Strange Places & Familiar Faces by Max Thomson

 

Strange Places & Familiar Faces

By

Max Thomson

 

Strange Places & Familiar Faces is the latest album from Glastonbury based recording artist Max Thomson. I met Max, through Gfm (Glastonbury FM) community radio, the day before I was due to attend the gig by the Scribes at Glastonbury’s Red Brick Building. Max was due to be support for The Scribes and so I took this opportunity to forward my talents in reviewing his latest album, and after hearing his set and speaking to Jonny Steele, of The Scribes, I’m glad I did.

Before I get into the album lets just get a little insight into just who is Max Thomson:

Max Thomson grew up in Glastonbury, UK and started making music at a young age. To begin with he would beatbox for his friends as they rapped in freestyle cyphers at the local parks. He then turned his focus to understanding that art of lyricism while studying Music tech at college. Since then, he has spent years developing his skills as a singer songwriter, producer & rapper.

Max's style and content is often very deep and thought provoking, with beautiful songs that explore and celebrate the flaws and perfect imperfections of all human beings. He has a big focus on lyrical content but never forgets about the overall sound of the piece of music.

If you want to zone out and let the music wash over you, then a lot of his catalogue
can put you in a euphoric state of peace. But donʼt get it twisted! If you want to get turnt up and party, Max also comes with hard hitting bars and beats that are sure to get you
out of your seat.

 

The album kicks of with Superman, which has this laid-back drill vibe to it with a chilled drum vibe alongside horns and a xylophone style sound. Listening to this you get this feel that what Max is saying here is that his music is not about the fame and fortune but, it’s about making the music he loves and then bringing that music to the fans and it’s that appreciation by the fans that really makes him like Superman. You might not have superpowers but, the feeling of hearing how much people enjoy that music is what brings the energy that makes you feel like you do have those superpowers. Next up is Familia, this has a more Hip Hop feel to it with heavy drums and this mixed in flute sound that tweaks at your nerves slightly, helping you to focus on the words. From the title you might think that this one is all about family however, the more you listen you realise that this one id focusing on racial inequality and the fact that music, be it Hip Hop or otherwise, does not support racial stereotypes when it comes to the music. It’s all about the music and if you can make that good music then, essentially, although you might not recognise someone immediately, you’re still family by virtue of your mutual love of good music. Acoustic guitar and piano notes lead us into Vice City, when the beat drops it has that drill/trap sound to it. This one really looks into the vice’s that can be a temptation for us as we move through life. Whether you’re looking for a one off good time or something to drown out the pain you see in the world around you, these vice’s can give you that quick buzz or they can put you into an eternal sleep. I guess the real message here is to know what you are getting into, don’t let it become an addiction and don’t give into the demons and let them take from those you love…

After Burn creates this air of smoking that green with its laid-back drums, acoustic guitar and cymbals that seem to swing between genre’s, sometime feeling more like trap and others just carrying the sound. The essence of this one is taking one hit or more just to calm the nerves when experiencing a relationship breakup. Sometimes when we are in a dark place, we retreat into a space to try and make sense and come to terms with a situation, we all do it differently and here we find that individual experience of dealing with those difficult feelings. Strange Places is the albums title track. The track is kind of in two parts, which begins with this calming guitar driven element which is essentially sung by Max in which he briefly details coming to the southwest and what he has come with and has to give. Then this chilled beat drops in with this trap vibe to it, while also being soulful, this forms the backdrop for him to speak more how being here feels, in a strange way, like a familiar place. I guess it’s almost like that Deja-vu feeling you get when you go to a place you’ve never been but, immediately feel you been there before, and you know this is exactly where you need to be in life. With those feelings of high strangeness still floating in our awareness we are greeted by the incredible vocals of Brittney Barber taking us into I Wonder. The guitar vibes and beat have this soulful Hip Hop feel that has a very thoughtful feel to it and that feeling stays with you as you listen and take on-board what is being said. This is all about the struggles in life that we all encounter, those times when we turn our heads to the sky and wonder if it’s all worth it, it feels like a lonely place, and we wonder if anyone can truly hear our calls of desperation. Just the realisation that there are people out there can often be enough to push on through the darkness and make it into the light once more, finding out that someone was listening, a realisation that brings so much…

Cruising stays on that chilled trap sound with the drums more in forefront and backed by some chilled organ notes. This one is all about those times that we have those moments of clarity, understanding what’s going on for us and knowing things need to change. These are the times when we just need to cruise for a while, not thinking too much, just watching for a while as life drifts by in the rear view. Ther doesn’t have to be a destination just a knowing that when we get there, we’ll be exactly where we need to be in life. Organ notes take us into Call Me Crazy before the beat and bass drop in on what is an upbeat funk fuelled sound. That sound works so well here on a track that is all about meeting a special woman who you feel so strongly about you would do anything for her to want to be with you. It’s really just that simple. Drums, bass, and synth vibes create this upbeat sound that has a dash of funk and a twist of soul for Love, Drugs & Music. Now, if you have wondered what an alternative rap love story might sound like, then you need look no further because that is what this on is. The foundation is that it’s a love story but, then there are some distinct tongue-in-cheek elements too that all mix in with the underground street vibe to bring you this alternative look at what the love story of today looks like…

We drift into the final quarter of the album with Oxymoron, which is simple in its complexity and see’s Max drop a track that is littered with more contradiction in terms than you might care to shake a stick at. Also, you see this contradiction in terms within the music, albeit on a more subtle level, as the chilled melodic beat is interspersed with high paced cymbals, creating a musical background that fits perfectly with the subject matter. The penultimate track is Obsessed, which has this soulful hip hop vibe which is created from this mix of drums, keys, and guitars. Here we find Max singing for the entire track as he finds himself obsessed with someone and the track see’s his internal struggle in trying to get the thoughts and feels for this person out of his head, in order to free himself. The last track of the album is Hometown Love (Feat Kate’s Poem) R.I.P Harry. The sound is piano driven with chilled beat over the top creating this sound that makes you want to sit back and reminisce, and that is exactly what Max does here. For Max the hometown is Glastonbury but, we all have a hometown we have memories and thoughts of. This is another song of too halves and the second half of this track is a wonderful memorial poem from Kate that says so much in a way that we can associate with when we think of a good friend we have loved and lost. Can’t think of a more personal and emotive way to end on…

 

Max Thomson Live at The Red Brick Building Glastonbury 29.04.2023

©S.Rider – Infinite Images 2023

Now, I heard Max live before I heard the album and that makes listening to the album a slightly different experience as more often than not, we always hear the studio recordings before the live sets. So, I went into this review thinking, OK I’ve been impressed by the live set so what can I expect from the studio album?

Honestly, I felt that Strange Places & Familiar Faces was such an impressive and enjoyable album overall and just goes to show how long you can live in a place without always discovering the true wealth of musical talent it has to offer. Musically, it mixes things up with a majority of the sound being based in the realms of the more modern rap sound but, it also incorporates elements of other genres and sound while retaining that grip on a foundation of Hip Hop. This all adds up to a multi-genre sound that will appeal to a wide range of audiences the world over. I know that sound is not going to appeal to everyone though, but no single form of music always does have that appeal and so if you base you decision on the sound alone, then you are missing one fundamental aspect, which is the vocal talent of Max Thomson.

As a rapper/vocalist Max has got some skills, you have to be honest here. He switches in up in terms of his range of flows and in his styles of rap, and at the same time this guy can harmonise and sing at the same time. So, as an underground artist he has this range that means he can switch things about and create a sound that is easily enjoyable across a wide range of genres. This means that you can listen to this album and think to yourself that you’re not keen on that element of the sound but, it doesn’t matter because everything works well here and keeps you listening and focusing on Max’s wordplay and the content of what he is saying. He also incorporates some fun parts alongside more personal and emotive elements, this sometimes keeps you guessing as to what’s what, which is ultimately a huge part of what grabs your attention.

For me Max Thomson has been one of Glastonbury’s best kept secrets and one that I am now glad I have become aware of, and I’d like to suggest that you do the same. Firstly, check out Strange Places & Familiar Faces, of course, and that check out his other work, and then be sure to catch him live too as he is cracking live and a really nice bloke too.

I’d like to personally thank Max for giving me the album to review and for the bio I have included above in italics. I look forward to seeing more of him once I get started at Gfm (soon to become GWS Radio) in Glastonbury.

Strange Places & Familiar Faces is out now on digital, streaming and there are also some physical CD’s available too, you might need to contact Max direct or pop into Rogues Gallery in Glastonbury who have a limited number of copies available.

On that note,

Time for me to be out,

See Ya.

Steve.

LINKS

Get Strange Places & Familiar Faces from Bandcamp Here:

https://maxthomson.bandcamp.com/

Max Thomson EPK - Info and music:

https://maxthomson.bandzoogle.com/home

Max Thomson on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/maxthomsonmusic

Max Thomson Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/max_thomson_music/

Max Thomson Tik Tok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@max_thomson_music

Max Thomson YouTube Channel:

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

VIDEOS

I Wonder ft Brittney Barber

Vice City

After Burn

Obsessed

 

 

Album Review: Blade Dance by Remi Rorschach

Blade Dance

By

Remi Rorschach

 

Back in September of 2022 I reviewed the Breaking and Entering by Remi Rorschach, which was released on the Good Darts label. Now, Remi is back on Good Darts with his follow up release, Blade Dance.

As with his previous release, Blade Dance promises to be a mix of styles across ten hard hitting tracks. Once again Remi is joined by Slippalong Chervascus who provides cuts on the album and there are also live instrumentation courtesy of Nick Davis (Bass), Oli Genn-Bash (Sax) and Mike Brewin (Electric Guitar). There are appearances from PG Tips, Lizard Flex, Skwidzilla and Dashwung Slugger, while Remi not only performs his raps but, as with Breaking and Entering, writes, produces and engineers the project.

So, without further ado, join me on my journey through Blade Dance…

It all kicks of with the cuts, heavy electronic bass and a pounding boombap drum sound of Avin A Bubble, this one is a pure assault on the senses in everyway possible. That heavy sound even seems to over the vocals at points with Slippalong’s deadly cuts slicing into your mind, all this as Remi pulls no punches and unloads by mixing up the styles and flows which display a razor-sharp wordplay and a warning to anyone stepping up they must be having a laugh cos ya gonna be left under piles of rubble. Bass and drums are the foundation of the sound on Buzziness with and electronic vibe that almost stings your fragile nerves. There is still a Hip Hop vibe to this one as Remi opens up with a reality-based look at what life is about, a reality check if you will. There is silver lining here is simply looking at you gotta do what you gotta do, end of.

Here Be Dragons brings a more Drill/Trap edge to this but, the drums, guitars and orchestral notes have a more laid-back edge to it. The deeper edge here are the dragons, these seem to be the things we struggle with, addictions that grip us and change who we are, it’s even the violence and pain that is all around that gets the better of us. All the while the system seeks to keep us all down, never really tackling the problems but, allowing them to take control. Hash Tags features Oli The Saxmachine and PG Tips and has drums, cuts, sax and electric guitar that gives this one a reflective deep edge to it. As you listen to the stories here you wonder if this a reflection of inner-city life or more of a look into experiences of Remi himself, perhaps it’s both. The track ends with an extended guitar solo from PG Tips that elevates this one. Life is not easy thing when your written off and given no support to lift yourself up. Red Fountain has that Drill/Trap sound with an essence of Tarrantino and Samurai movies thrown in as Remi goes in as sharp as a katana on this one. It’s all about a verbal reflection of those crazy movies there every cut of the blade is met with the accompanying fountain of red mist as blood erupts from the victim.

It's back to the Hip Hop vibe with Cash Mountain but, there is a faint grime element mixed in too. Here Remi is almost reflecting the likes of Tony Montana as he details that it’s all about the money. Making the mountains of cash and using it lift you up to dizzying heights, while everyone around you wonders exactly how you’re doing it but, how you’re doing it is not important, it’s all about the fact you have it and what you can do with it. Sirens herald a return to the drill vibe with a heavy piano sound on Boss Level. Mario and computer game vibes permeate this one as Remi explains that it all about levelling up to the boss, being the best you can be. There is also that element of frustration where you keep aiming high but, can’t quite get there and anger, even rage creeps in and you almost forget it’s just a game because, all you wanna do is play to win. Back to the pounding boom bap drums, guitar, cuts and etheric vocal samples on OPS, which has a head nod vibe on what is that posse cut vibe. Remi, Lizard Flex, Skwidzilla and Dashwung Slugger drop verse after verse of slick wordplay that is unrelenting and has one aim, which is to get you bouncing, so enjoy this one.

The penultimate track is Vulneratus Non Victus, this is a Latin phrase, which translated into English means Wounded but not conquered. Featuring PG Tips the guitars, keys and drums give this one an upbeat head nod sound. The vibe from this one really seems to say that going into anything you are not going to come out unscathed, you won’t win every battle along the way, and that’s what it’s all about is walking forward no mater what. The album rounds off with Start A Cult, drums keys, and electric guitar give this a rock rap sound, even with that faint trap sound in the background. With skillful wordplay and turns of flow, Remi seems to be saying here that its not about creating something that gives you a kind of cult following, it’s all about being individual and doing your thing and being authentic and giving the people what they want.

 

So, first off, the thing that strikes you initially is that Blade Dance is very much a hardcore style album. Remi has crafted this unflinching and unrelenting release that pulls no punches when it comes to looking at life from the view of todays youth on the streets. It is a far more Hip Hop influenced release than Breaking and Entering but, still has enough variety of styles to appeal to wide audience.

The more you listen to this, there is a sense that there is a deeper meaning behind the album. I know that everyone has their own life experience that colours how they interpret things but, as much as this album speaks on life and a view of that life from a particular viewpoint, it also speaks on the self and you view and react to what happens around you. There is a lot of anger and upset in the world at the moment and when you are viewing the world through a lens of the troubled self then you will see things different to most and sometimes the anger and a desire to let go of it, is understandable just as in a way as if you were hitting a punchbag at the gym, except you do it through music. That was just a personal viewpoint…

Back to the album.

The album has a very well-crafted sound that gives a polished foundation for the raw, gritty and unflinching vocal style Remi brings and it works very well. But, one thing I really liked about the album is that Remi uses a lot of live instruments to give the album more of a musical edge and for me those live instruments just elevate the sound somewhat. The musicians all did a cracking job here so much respect to them. There is also that one posse style cut which is one of those tracks that is really for the listeners, and everyone does a superb job on this, showing their skills and keeping the adrenaline levels up. Remi also keeps you guessing all through the album, which flows very well by the way, there are times you wonder if he is simply venting his anger and other times you get this is all coming from personal experience but, you do wonder which is the basis of the album until you have listened to the entirety of the album and you realise it comes from inside the mind of Remi Rorschach and it all has basis in reality.

Overall, Blade Dance is a solid and hardcore album with dark undertones that reflects the struggles of life in the inner-city environment where it seems hard to rise out of those tough spaces. Where anger, pain and addiction colours the walls everywhere you look. Through music the album gives you a look at that world and how one man stood up to show that world and his journey through it to where he is now.

Blade Dance is out now on the Good Darts label with digital and CD formats available.

On That note,

I’m out, see ya.

Steve.

LINKS

Get the album on CD from Good Darts Here:

https://www.gooddarts.co.uk/product/remi-rorschach-blade-dance-cd-stickers/?fbclid=IwAR0aRqLJPTqAGME6fLDVBX2tTDO_FF3VZ0qLv2cPZP0v9mEpKBuAxhR68SM

Remi Rorschach Website:

https://www.remirorschach.com/?fbclid=IwAR3kcklaw736F6v9sNT9n3ibwsmQ2Y-tPnhnoeK7fUp8LEsmPsBq1zvafIw

Stream on Spotify Here:

https://open.spotify.com/album/2LivG17rzpNiD7GNFywLMf?fbclid=IwAR2d4SbAIpJF9qGBFW2Vd2ElRbjwz-CyXSqevQscS75mW7lVc4_uNESQULA

VIDEOS

Blade Dance - Jabbathakut promo mix

Red Fountain

OPS

You can find more videos from Blade Dance at Remi's YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@remirorschach9189/featured

 

 

 

  

EP Review: Breaking and Entering EP by Remi Rorschach

 

Breaking and Entering EP

By

Remi Rorschach

 

Today see’s the release of the debut EP from Remi Rorschach, the Breaking and Entering EP. Remi hails from the UK’s Southeast and he has written, produced, performed, and engineered the entire project. The EP is released via the Good Darts label and see’s Remi being joined by Slippa Chervascus, who provides cuts, sketches, and skits. There are also some live instruments to boot here too with Sax provided by Oli Genn-Bash and Bass provided by Gwendal Langlois and Nick Davies.

Now Slippa Chervascus, the man behind Good Darts goes way back with Remi and has been promoting this for some time and says it promises to be a mixture of styles with a machine gun flow. The kinda release that might see ya needing some new underwear? So, with all that in mind it’s only right that we dive in feet first and see if this EP is what it says it is…

 

The EP kicks off with Mutiny, where the drums, cuts, keys, and bass mesh together and hit you with pace. The vibe here has a dark edge to it with vocals that are raw and gritty with plenty of venom. The sense you get here is that Remi Rorschach is hitting out at those people who turn their back on you, making out that they are leaving a sinking ship but, the reality is that their attitude is causing the ship to sink and that by abandoning the sinking ship they are, in fact, the ones who are saving it. The pace ain’t about to let up with the grime sound and dark synth vibe of Knock Knock. Remi’s intense delivery makes this one hard to read but, you get the feeling that this one is all about taking no shit from anyone, hitting hard, fast and getting maximum respect no matter what. There is very much a feeling of I’m not to be fucked with on this one.

From that grime vibe, things switch back to very much a Hip Hop banger with Take A Look. The drums, cuts, guitar, and piano hit hard as Remi drops unapologetic X-rated vocals as he asks you to look at exactly who he is, what he does and how he does it. But don’t get too close as this one is gonna cut deep, like a rusty razor. Heavy pounding beats and sonic synth sounds change the vibe once more as Postal takes a look at the stresses and strains of life. It’s all about the things that push you to the edge of what your mind can take, the moments where anything can happen, where reality and fiction merge and you begin to wonder what is truly real.

The intro to So Depressed kind of makes you think this will be a chilled track but, the only thing chilled about this is the flow has a little less pace to it. The drums pound while the sax, piano and strings carry you along. Here Remi does a cracking job of creating a tough track, one that touches you in a deep way, as he looks at the reality of the everyday pain that so many go through, whilst still appearing to be handling life just like anyone else, while suffering in silence. Many of those who do suffer in silence find a way of coping by heading to the Late Night Drug Stop. There is that chilled edge to this again that is created by a mix of keys, guitar, cuts, and drums. Remi switches the flow down a notch or two again as he turns his attention to life from the point of view of the dealer. The one those seeking solace so often turn to.

The main elements of Dog God are piano and drums, these merge together into an almost nerve tingling vibe that has you on edge. Remi switches between flows as looks at the kind of person who is deluded into thinking they are more than who they truly are. This is the kind of person who does not know their true self and in that place of not knowing they create a false character, with bravado, which they project to the world, one that so many are taken in by and look up to. Drums and heavy bass hit with an almost trap vibe, one that seems to mess with your head on Fuck That. Dick Dastardly joins Remi Rorschach to look at the drug culture and how it impacts the life of the younger generation.

With those thoughts of how drugs impact life so fresh in our minds, a drill vibe of bass and sonic sounds tears at your mind. The focus switches to the gang culture on Gang Mafia, something that is so closely linked to the drug culture. Skengman Supreme joins Remi Rorschach to take a no holes barred look at the violent world of gangs. This one comes from the point of view of those within the gang who will not think twice of using violence to settle a score at take on anyone who crosses them. The brutality of life is not lost on you as the final track of the EP drops with a proper Hip Hop vibe of drums, keys, and cuts but, with a dark edge. Diablo’s Dance see’s Remi take us deep into a disturbing, nightmarish vision of someone caught up in a dangerous downward spiral of money. Here we find out what can happen when all you seek is to make money and will do anything to get it. You get caught up with those who will take advantage of that desire and they will draw you down a very dark path…

 

What is most apparent here is that with the Breaking and Entering EP, Remi Rorschach is reflecting the dark side of life and touching on a raw side of reality that few wish to look at. We see a dark, dangerous, and brutal vision of what is going on in the streets and behind the closed doors of towns and cities in the UK. The diverse range of musical styles he shows here really bring that reality into our minds, as does his variety of flows and wordplay which are all delivered with a gritty rawness that is the nature of that reality, he is trying to show us.

The use of those different styles very much enhances the mood and impact of the message that is being conveyed. For example, using the drill style music to put across that vision of gang culture on Gang Mafia, really does put across the stark reality of what those caught up in those situations must experience. It shows a true understanding of life on the streets and how it impacts the youth of today. The entire EP paints this deeply emotive picture of inner-city life, where gangs rule, drugs are a crippling big business and the external pressures of life keep people trapped in ever decreasing circles of poverty and fighting for a better life.

To be honest here this is more than just an EP. There are enough tracks here and length to call this an album. I do get the feeling that there will be those who don’t vibe with everything here. I’ll be honest and say that I’m not a lover of trap or drill music but, I do see how it appeals to others and I can see how you can deliver a positive message using any genre of music. The important thing here is that Remi Rorschach has delivered an impressive EP that is self-produced, written, performed and more, which is no mean feat. The guests artists and musicians all fit so well into the tracks providing just the right amount of depth to compliment the project.

This is one of those you’ll want to check out and make you own mind up because I’m sure it will elicit different visions in the minds of everyone.

The Breaking and Entering EP is out today on streaming and with some limited CD copies as well so, don’t miss out.

My thanks to Slippa Chervascus of Good Darts for sending me this one. 

One that note,

I’m out, see ya next time,

Steve

 

LINKS

CD copies are available through Good Darts:

http://gooddarts.co.uk/ 

Remi Rorschach Merch:

http://remirorschach.com/

Check Remi Rorschach on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1bBPNt79CjRehhb4pMzxfn 

Remi Rorschach on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/remirorschachs/

Good Darts on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/damngooddarts/

Breaking and Entering EP YouTube Playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lCy7gZLU4yY66XhK1d8azXFSMergnKD6g 

 

VIDEOS

Breaking and Entering EP Jabbathakut Promo Mix