Album Review: Anyone Home? by Montener The Menace

 

Anyone Home?

By

Montener The Menace

 

Back in June 2020 I dropped the review for ‘I Have A Hidden Hobby’ the debut album from Montener the Menace. Although that album had taken the best part of twelve years to be released, it was a standout release for the UK underground hip-hop scene that year.

Anyone Home? is the follow up to that and could well be Montener’s final release. Once again, he has gathered a hefty list of top producers and guest emcees for the album. Now, some might say that this takes the focus away from Montener, but I feel this shows the respect he has amongst his peers.

The singles released to date from the album, High Noon (produced by Wounded Buffalo Beats and featuring Masta Ace, Rah Digga, Wordsworth & FatLip), The Struggle (produced by JL Beats and featuring Guilty Simpson, Micall Parknsun & El Da Sensei) and Take It Back (Produced by Roccwell and featuring Craig G & Edo G) have been nothing less than top level, bar raising, Hip-Hop gold. However, the question is, does the rest of the album stand up to those?

Take a walk with me as I take you through my look at the album and see if it does indeed have the strength to push that bar a little higher for 2021…

From the get-go, there is no messing about as Domingo hits us with some pounding beats with a tinge of strings to get our heads nodding, over which JabbaThaKut provides some slick turntablism which all combines to provide an Intro with one focus, guess who’s back???

We Need To Talk About Kevin is a tongue-in-cheek look at one person’s review of ‘I Have A Hidden Hobby’ and how that becomes the motivational situation that springboards Montener back to the mic to show us, and Kevin of course, one more time, what he is all about. The beat from Jack Cliff is laid back funky vibe with some organ notes, guitar elements and a tweaked mournful vocal that is a perfect match for Montener to spin his sad story. Now if you are going to make a return then you kinda want to do it with aplomb and we are whisked from the dusty city to the dusty streets of the old west, where it is High Noon and we find that Montener the Menace has formed a rag tag group of Hip-Hop outlaws with Masta Ace, Rah Digga, Wordsworth (outlaws) and Fatlip (sheriff). Now the line may blur as to which side of the law they stand on, but they are gonna be letting off from all barrels or chambers on those who have the nerve to cross them, as they stand for oppressed against the oppressors. The straight up head nod beat laced with strings comes from Wounded Buffalo Beats and really is a track that is more than just a posse cut and could well be ‘The Symphony’ for a new era. As the outlaws pass and the dust settles, we realise that no one is perfect or perhaps we are, perfect in our own Imperfections. Here, Montener looks at the struggles of mental health where some only see one solution, which is to take their own life. This struggle is one that few of us truly understand, even if we have seen it firsthand, the realisation is that there is no right or wrong way for those who struggle, there is simply one choice and that is their choice, and it should be respected. The production from Hank Venture has a nice head nod vibe mixed with guitar elements and some synth. JabbaThaKut once again provides the cuts which are the icing on this one.

From one thoughtful experience to another as the strings, horns, and heavy beats from Roccwell and the cuts from Jabba see Montener joined by the legendary figures of Craig G and Edo G to Take It Back, as we journey through the experiences and inspirations that shape us as we move through life and what it is to stand shoulder to shoulder with your peers. We move from one look at life’s experiences to another as Montener, Guilty Simpson, Micall Parknsun and El Da Sensei have us contemplating The Struggle of the situations that define us. Sometimes they seem gritty and dark as the clouds of violence, racism, control and pain gather above, but eventually the clouds will clear, and the sun will shine. JL Beats provides a chilled jazzy vibe of piano, drums, and guitar with it all rounded off with JabbaThaKut who provides cuts that feel even more contemplative. With our minds drifting, the pounding drum, piano and sombre violin of Plastic The Funky Mulatto’s production allows your eye lids to droop and our minds to focus on the internal struggles we experience that often lead to external struggles. Witnessing oppression of others is a painful thing. Dog Food might seem to be from a dog’s point of view, but is that any less different to what we experience as humans? The haunting vocals from Dixie Daye really add a deep emotional vibe to this.

The track that lends it’s name to the album’s title is the short Anyone Home (interlude) which sees JabbaThaKut and production from Lax The Monk, showing us that if you need to knock on the door to see if anyone is home, this is how you do it and sometimes there is someone in and today it is Montener the Menace, his brother boodah, Cracker Jon, The Strange Neighbour, Jay Purpose and JL Beats on production. The beat is funky, the guitar is funky, and the vocal notes are funky which is just what you need for a posse style cut that sees the guys taking us on an audible trip around their local town, otherwise known as Little London. There is nothing for me to say here as they say it all for me, It’s Always Sunny In Croydon.

Back to reality as Wounded Buffalo Beats provides a slightly laid-back beat with piano and string vibes and JabbaThaKut scatters the cuts across your awareness as Montener is joined by the one and only A.G. (of Showbiz & A.G. for those who might not know) to look at what is a legend, what gives one that legendary status and the fact that when you reach that point, Legends Never Die. If you were feeling contemplative then, I Can’t Resist Hearing…, will likely reach in and tug at your heart strings. Keynotez upbeat vibe of guitar and drums is the perfect platform for Montener to speak unapologetically about his children. I’ll be honest and say this brought a tear to my eye, as a father myself, this is one of the best dedications to your children I have ever heard, end of…

An introduction from one Alan Partridge takes us into the funky guitar driven vibe of Lax The Monk on Feed The Foxes, a look at both sides of the story around the subject of urban foxes. I gotta say that I stand firmly with the foxes. They are not vermin and are simply an oppressed animal trying to survive as humans continue to encroach on their habitat and don’t get me started on fox hunting… The penultimate track of the album sees Montener joined by another legendary figure in Keith Murray. The laid-back piano and bells give the beat this a jazzy funk vibe that has ya moving. This one is all about the similes and metaphors and ends with Keith putting on a fake British accent which will have you cracked up and just Bloody Marvellous. Domingo and JabbaThaKut are back to round off the album with an Outro in that funky dope Hip-Hop style that will span the oceans and borders. Oneness, is what it’s all about…

                    

Now, if you were one of those who thought that Montener the Menace had nothing more than a mundane writing and vocal style that would see him fit only to drop rhymes on kiddies TV (Kevin), then you gotta think again right here. If you take away the all-star guest vocals on Anyone Home, it is still apparent that Montener is able to write with the best of em. He’s more than adept at the use of similes and metaphors whilst rapping in that instantly recognisable English accent. He has matured a bit on this release and mixes up the subject matter and serious side of life with some more light-hearted visions and there is also some good old, straight up and just for the hell of it fun. This all creates a perfectly balanced album that keeps you entertained from start to finish. Once you then add in all those legendary features it just adds the icing on the cake and shows the respect Montener has amongst his peers, you just wouldn’t get this sort of line-up any other way.

Some of the subjects talked on this album really allow him to shine and it’s no easy task to tackle subjects like mental health and suicide in a way that shows understanding and compassion or to drop a track that is so heart felt and touching. When you add in all  the fun and games along side that and touching on some of the other grim realities of life, you can only salute him for putting out something that is equally as entertaining as it factual.

For me Anyone Home? just has something for everyone. It is deeply rooted in a love of that boom bap Hip-Hop music which shines through on the production, the vocals and the cuttin’ n scratching. That Hip-Hop vibe, that oneness also shows through bringing that element of a music style that is all about bringing a focus to live and important social issues, but all the while still retaining that element of having fun. There is no point in looking at the darkside if you are not prepared to embrace the light.

If Anyone Home? is the last album from Montener the Menace, it doesn’t matter because I feel he has cemented his place in Hip-Hop history with two outstanding and instantly classic underground albums. It’s not always about quantity, it’s the quality that matters and everything here screams quality. The producers all brought their own unique styles that were the perfect backdrops creating a perfect musical flow. The featured artists all bring their own styles and command their own respect and do not fail to deliver anything other than Hip-Hop perfection.

With Anyone Home? Montener the Menace has put together an all-round Hip-Hop album for the ages. An instant underground classic that opens the front door and shouts ‘I did it once and now I’ve done it again, See Ya.’

I don’t usually give marks outta 10, but if I did for this one, it would a 9… Simply cos I love it…

Anyone Home? is released by Certain Sound Records and Pre-orders for the album are now live on the below link in a choice of Vinyl, CD  where you can also, if there are any left, grab a copy of the Limited 7” single for High Noon/The Struggle.

Time for me to be out,

See Ya,

Steve

LINKS

Pre-order Anyone Home Here:

https://certainsoundrecords.bandcamp.com/album/anyone-home

Montener The Menace on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/montener_the_menace/

Certain Sounds Records on Instagram:

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

Certain Sounds YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLHAfcP0s6-cID39VAOmg1w

VIDEOS

High Noon

The Struggle

Take It Back

Album Review: Unit Three by C-Froo

 

Unit Three

By

C-Froo

 

Bristonian C-Froo has been making music since his teenage years and is quickly becoming one of those standout artists from the city that has to be one of the UK’s premier Hip-Hop hubs. Many of the UK’s top underground producers, emcees, beat makers, DJs, Graff artists and also those who work behind the artists to mix and master call Bristol their home.

I first caught C-Froo at Rope-A-Dope 5 in 2019 and managed to cop a copy of his first album, The Script (2009), from him at the time, in fact you can find a recording of that set which was recorded and mixed by B-Line Recordings Specifik (who also organizes RAD) on C-Foo’s Bandcamp page.

Since releasing The Script C-Froo has dropped a number of releases including Unit 1 (2014) alongside Vice and Nostalgia Ain’t What It Used To Be, which also featured production from Majesta. There have been three singles from his latest album released to date: You Gotta Be (produced by SIR Beans OBE), Feed the Demon (featuring TST1, Mista Switch, J. Chalks & Production from Epik Ops) and Mass Opposition (Produced by Billy Whizz).

As you can see from the singles already released C-Froo has recruited a wealth of vocal and production talent for the album and this also includes vocals from Da Fuchaman and Sessie, with production across the album coming from Epik Ops, Sir Beans OBE, Billy Whizz and Astrosnare.

All this said this album looks to be something special so let’s just get on into it…

The hiss of hydraulics hits your ears as if you are climbing aboard one of those double decker buses that are a feature of most UK towns and cities. As the doors hiss close and the engine revs you are given a nice Welcome and informed that you are about to embark on a trip within Unit Three. Our tour guide, C-Froo, advises us that this trip way well hit all our senses and elicit any number of experiences. However, none of this is real and will fade as you disembark at the end. So, it’s time to buckle up and relax…

Our first stop on the trip is a heavy beat mixed with some nerve tingling guitar from Billy Whizz that is the backdrop for the albums latest single, Mass Opposition, here C-Froo deep into the fact that there is two sides to every story and that so many times we have seen our views of those once held in high esteem dashed by sickening revelations. What if just the opposite had happened? What world would we live in? perhaps its best to just watch circus unfold around you and have faith in the fact that you are the one who has control over you and what you allow to influence you. Big drums and horns of Epik Ops production heralds the arrival of our next stop, an important look at Loyalty and how it is important to know those around you on a daily basis, not just that but, be aware of where you own loyalties are. Life is a trip in itself and as we move through various situations that help shape our destinies the actions of ourselves and others in those situations is key, so it is important to be aware of those white lies. As the ride continues Sir Beans OBE joins and provides a proper head nod drum beat with some funky bass that is the4 albums first single You Gotta Be, an unapologetic look at the exploits of one man on friday night out. This is something that has echoes across the world where nights out are fuelled with drink and drugs where living in the city means you gotta be who you gotta be…

We reach the point where its time to make a choice as C-Froo is joined by TST1, Mista Switch, J. Chalks over some dark and brooding Production from Epik Ops. Here the message is simple, there are many choices we make on the journey of life, they can raise us up or send us spiralling down into darkness. What's your choice? Do you or don’t you Feed The Demon? From the darkness we need to brighten things up and the upbeat funky production from Astrosnare does just that with some big horns, drums and cool bass and more as C-Froo brings some Illumination focusing on the aspects of life that bring more positive moves and fill us with more positive vibes, these are the moments to hold on to. Our tour guide, C-Froo, makes a short announcement here as we hit the halfway point of our trip and here, he points out that looking right, you’ll feel right but, if you look Over There, you’ll see the other side…

With you gaze fixed firmly on the other side Sir Beans OBE returns with a laid-back head nod vibe and coupled with that Da Fuchaman brings a wicked reggae flavour to the hook of Giddeon Warrior as C-Froo speaks on something that so many do not do, that is opening your eyes and seeing, I mean really seeing the beauty in yourself and all those other faces that you see everyday because they all have a story and they all feel, just like you so it’s time to see them and yourself as we were meant to be seen. Cool Breeze is a look at what the media calls the migrant crisis and a story from the eye of one of those desperate people. The production from Epik Ops and vocals from Sessie create this heavy emotive atmosphere that makes this story really hit home. As our journey seems to pause briefly, Epik Ops brings in another emotive sound scape with a pounding beat and organ notes, again laced with haunting vocals from Sessie on A New Religion, which sees C-Froo looking at the current situation in the UK with distrust in a corrupt government and a society where no one knows what to believe anymore with many following blindly but, what is really the answer is coming together and spreading the love.

As we enter into the final part of our journey ICU has C-Froo providing the Bass Guitar alongside Epik Ops production, which gives this one an almost funky ragga vibe. This one looks at life growing into your middle age years and beyond and all the trials and tribulations that come with it. Now it might seem hard, at times, keeping touch with the scene you love but, its important to keep that alive and more importantly is to set some goals and then get out there and smash em. There is one final announcement from our tour guide C-Froo who wishes us all Peace and Love as we wind up the journey. As our journey finishes its time to get contemplative and the beat and organ notes of Billy Whizz bring that vibe perfectly. C-Froo has the heartbeat of life at his Fingertips and perfectly sums up the album and a vision of what you could do in walking forward into a new day and creating a new you and a brighter future.

 

I have to say that here that C-Froo has crafted a fantastic narrative here on the current state of society. He touches on deep subjects that none of can fail to be aware of as we go about our daily lives. Now you might think that there is nothing new in that and that might be so but, what is critical here is way it is delivered.

The idea that we are taking a journey can be translated to any big city around the world where people can sit on a bus on a sightseeing trip. What would it look like if you took this trip around your city or town? Would that trip touch on all the subjects covered on this album from the state of society to how you look at yourselves and others or from racism and the treatment of those from other countries to how we treat each other, and do we really see we are just a part of one big family. C-froo delivers his vocals with intellect and knowledge and his verbal style is, at times, breath-taking or at least you are sometimes taking a breath for him as her delivers line after line, bar after bar without a pause while delivering every word with clarity and conviction. Musically the flow captures each moment reflecting the mood of C-froo’s lyrical content. As much as this is a journey through C-Froo’s mind and what he sees around him, it could also be a journey through anyone’s mind.

Overall Unit Three creates this deeply emotive and contemplative journey that encapsulates the scenes from our lives now or at any other point to this moment. It is an honest no nonsense reflection of what we see around us day to day and, I know I say this a lot in my work, but this is one of those albums that will elicit different memories and different thoughts for each of you that listens to it, I totally believe that but, at the same time if you don’t want to get too deeply into the story or message behind each track, it is still highly listenable just to have on as background music or so on. 

The Cover art and logo is by the talented Mungo Draws with the Back cover picture from Dan Moxham.  

For me this has got to be high up on your new music list and if you listen to one new release this week, then make it Unit Three.

On That Note,

See Ya,

Steve

LINKS

Buy Unit Three on Bandcamp Here:

https://cfroo.bandcamp.com/album/unit-3

Check C-Froo & Unit Three on Spotify Here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7gHiPFUz4BvTevVDOgcnJR?si=ypiEBom6RP-ti_zXoYcJ9Q&utm_source=copy-link&dl_branch=1&nd=1

Get the Rope-A-Dope Live Bootleg Here:

https://cfroo.bandcamp.com/album/c-froo-live-rope-a-dope-5-bootleg

VIDEOS

Mass Opposition

You Gotta Be

Feed The Demon

Album Review: Gold Pyramids On Black Sand by Cut Beetlez & Dopamine 189

 

Gold Pyramids On Black Sand

By

Cut Beetlez & Dopamine 189

 

Last year was a hot year for the duo from Finland, Cut Beetlez, who dropped a number of releases of which I reviewed a fair few including the CBNG LP with the Nice Guys, The Overflow single series Parts One Two & Three and of course the stunning What Beetlez LP. Finally, they are back for 2021, firstly with the single AMIRRORCA along side PhillGoodX7 and now with this new album.

If you have read my reviews and caught any of these fine releases, then you will know that HP Lovescratch & DJ J-Man are always upping their game and experimenting with new ways and sounds to take Hip Hop and Turntablism to new levels and dimensions.

Following their collaborations with the likes of Nice Guys and A-F-R-O etc, this time they hook up with Berkley California Emcee Dopamine 189, a beat maker, producer, and emcee, he also part of the KTD Crew, FSC Crew and Berkley CA All Stars  to bring you another banger.

Alongside Dopamine 189 there are also a host of other talented artists including emcees One Feather, Nac One and Matrix P, also featured is singer Etni Kahn and saxophonist Tuomas Sipponen, all bringing their own special vibes to bear on the project.

The release is all polished off by some striking artwork from Noom and design by the gifted Mr Krum. So, this is one of those releases you can’t pin any expectations on as it’s the Cut Beetlez. All we know is it will be a treat for the ears.

So, let’s get into it…

The album hits from the get-go with a short jazz infused Intro in which Dopamine 189 drops a little bit about himself and what his impressions of the Cut Beetlez were. The vibe of the track with its dash of cuts thrown in, really sets the tone of the album and the vision reflected by the cover artwork. From there we are treated to a mind-bending mix of Organ notes, cuts, claps, bells, and Bass which creates this almost Hip-Hop vision quest vibe for Sun Surfer. Dopamine 189 and One feather bring a lot of thought-provoking visions to bear on this track and detail the value of healing the mind. Alongside this the values and teachings of indigenous cultures shines through as the importance of living in harmony with the land is impressed on us. From loving yourself and loving the land the Beetlez and Dopamine 189 bring a different love to the forefront on Blue Lotus. Here the focus is a celebration of that special woman in your life and the background is a deep jazz vibe of guitar, piano, and the Sax of Tuomas Sipponen with a sprinkling of cuts which creates the perfect mood.

From the deep experience of love, we move into another deep experience as a multi-layered sound scape of Electronic notes, cymbals, guitar, and cuts has us transported to another musical dimension which is the perfect backdrop for Dopamine 189 to take us on a ride around the pyramids and ancient cultures then back to his music and the vibe of live shows. You can almost picture 189 stood atop the great pyramid of Giza flanked by the Cut Beetlez on top of the other two pyramids and all under a Grenadine Sky. The Beetlez create another musical sound scape to test the mind as they bring in Bass, Horns, Drums, and synths to create a laid-back soulful funk vibe that switches pace between verses to a jazz fusion instrumental. Meanwhile 189 is joined by Matrix P to speak on those who have walked before us and passed on, thus creating this thoughtful space that has you casting your mind to the universal lake of memory and all the while, above fly Neon Kites.

A short Skit takes us into the second half of the album on jazz tip with Dopamine 189 briefly explaining why he is rocking with the Beetlez. Organ vibes, Cuts, Bass, Horns, and drums initially hit you with something akin to a Hip-Hop big band feel before dropping you to the relative sparce ambiance of back street jazz club. While all this is going on Dopamine 189 and One Feather breakdown what it is to get deep into your music creativity, Life and Conscious Evolution and pay attention as you might need Clairvoyance to understand this one. There is no time for your mind to settle before a mix of organ notes, Horns, electronic vibes, and cuts spears your consciousness. 189 and Nac One jump in to spin a web of deadly but, precious vocals that has you questioning, who is the more deadly here? The 14K Tarantulas or the Emcees?

Bringing us down a bit is the more soulful organ and drum vibes that are interwoven with some vocal notes and cuts. Dopamine 189 speaks on that special kind of relationship between two people who have a deep bond and together engage in Stereo Romance. The final track of the album is a deep soulful blend of drums, organ notes, cuts, and the vocals of Etni Kahn. As the vibes have you floating in space Dopamine 189 gets deep into merging life and loves with the physical embodiment of earthly minerals, something that gives reality to our emotions and feelings.

 

Gold Pyramids On Black Sand is a challenging, for some reason I don’t want to say experimental, Hip-Hop success. There are huge multi-layered soundscapes here that merge perfectly with the emcee’s vocal talents. The whole project ebbs and flows precisely from start to finish, perfectly blending pace and musical styles to create something that, at times, is like some kind of Hip-Hop meditative experience. But not only does it flow and blend so well but, it challenges your mind and sense of reality to the point that you are not aware that you have only spent a little under 23 minutes in the company of the Cut Beetles and Dopamine 189. It is like you have just experienced the Hip-Hop musical equivalent of a Dali painting…

It is truly something to pack so much musical innovation and knowledge into such a timeframe it feels like it is a much longer listening experience. The fusion of street knowledge and some more esoteric with the indigenous culture connection and that sense of self perfectly bends stretches and moulds your sense of reality as you listen and immerse yourself into the experience.

The Cut Beetles are successful in again stretching their creative limits and bringing you a sound that is both undoubtedly theirs but, at the same time fresh and unique and teaming with Dopamine 189 it keeps it Hip-Hop but with an open mind. 189 brings that street element of Hip-Hop but tinged with a deeper understanding of subjects that extend beyond the box which is perfect for the vibe the Cut Beetles bring with their constant tweaking of the boundaries of Hip-Hop Music.

This is Hip-Hop for a new reality. Where listening with an open mind has you with one foot in boom bap street and the other in a portal to a reality where Hip-Hop stretches the boundaries of all you know and love…

You to can experience Gold Pyramids On Black Sand from today…

Huge thanks to the Cut Beetlez for sending this over to me.

On that note,

I’m not sure if I’m outta here or not…

Steve

LINKS

All the links for Gold Pyramids on Black Sand can be found Here:

https://linktr.ee/cutbeetlez

Single Review: Live at the Guillotine '88 by Chess Moves, Junior Disprol & DJ Mada

 

Live at the Guillotine ‘88

By

Chess Moves / Junior Disprol / DJ Mada

 

The single Live at the Guillotine ‘88 is a collaboration between Chess Moves (Production), Junior Disprol (Vocals) and DJ Mada (I think you can guess what Mada’s contribution is…).

So, if you like your Hip Hop to hit hard and heavy with an experimental feel, then this one is for you. What these guys have put together is nothing short of brutal. Musically it is heavy, raw and as sharp as the title suggests. Mada’s cuts are unrelenting, frantic and slice through your head like a Katana blade. Junior Disprol drops lines that have a dark ruggedness which at times are almost indistinguishable from the musical fury around them.

This one is not for the faint hearted. So, if you prefer your Hip Hop to be safe and easily listenable then you might want to skip this one, because the way this one hits you, is like the dark places a mind can go to in its most troubled times, there is a message there buried deep in the anguish and you just have to understand and see past the noise to really feel it. Could it even be that this is what it is like to have your head removed by a guillotine and then, unceremoniously, shoved back on so you can go on your merry way…

Like I say, this one might not be for everyone but, in a way, it is refreshing to hear something a little different that throws all the concepts out the window and does it completely differently. You could say this one almost sets up a new genre…Death Hop anyone?

 

Live at the Guillotine ’88 is now live and poised ready to slice through the mind of those brave enough to put their heads on the block…

I’m out,

Steve

LINKS

Listen on Spotify Here:

https://open.spotify.com/album/1O4MLa1adEYFs4NVpLRaJa?si=act3F1uyQlaNsqHoXx9kGw&nd=1

Listen on Apple Music Here:

https://music.apple.com/us/album/live-at-the-guillotine-88-single/1556207716

Listen on Tidal Here:

https://tidal.com/browse/album/175557285

 

VIDEO

EP Review: Pianos of Grandeur by FBS (Oldboy & Charles Edison)

 

Pianos of Grandeur

By

FBS (Oldboy & Charles Edison)

 

Released on February of this year, Pianos of Grandeur is an EP from FBS, Fantastic Bar Stewards, otherwise know as the duo of Oldboy (Vocals) and Charles Edison (Production). You might guess from the title that this one has a vibe that is based around the piano, and you’d be right but, don’t think for one minute that it means this one is not on that Hip Hop tip, because it most certainly is.

As we take our place and watch as pianist takes his place at his instrument of choice, we are first treated to an Introspective which features Charles Edison and is introduced by a sample from First Blood Pt2. Oldboy and Charles take us on a deep into their thoughts, feelings and mental state over a laid-back beat that is unmistakably head nod with more than a sprinkling of Jabbas stately cuts. The head nod vibe continues as Oldboy opens his mind to us and explains just Who Is Oldboy, what makes him tick and how he incorporates that into his rap style.

No Edits drops on a more jazzy vibe with a sprinkling of polished cuts as Oldboy is joined by Charles Edison and Micall Parkinson who treat us to a track that keeps ya moving while all the while letting you know its all about life, deep lyrical content and delivering everything with no edits. We hold on to that jazz vibe for the Stars Don’t Shine, a comparison of the new to the old in the rap game. The stars might shine in the night sky but, that don’t mean those new to the mic shine the same way as they once did…

Taking it back to head nod all the way with more of those dope cuts, Charles Edison pops up again on this one as he and Oldboy detail exactly what its all about in the game. You have to step up, hold your own and make a Clean Kill if your gonna survive. There is no let up to beat pounding and keys speaking as the listener, the supporters get a track dedicated them, yeah believe it This Ones For You ya feel, enjoy. To round off the EP Scotland’s own One OZ joins Oldboy for a track that you might wanna listen to at a Quarter Past Midnight because the vibe of this one both musically and verbally has the potential to put you into altered states, if you listen at the right time, with pounding drums, etheric keys and sublime cuts and UFOs.

 

Creating the piano vibe to run throughout this one really puts you in mind of sitting in some dark and smoky speakeasy. You sit quietly in the corner listening to the music and the threads of other people’s conversations that all begin to merge into one the more you try to focus. The subjects as diverse as real life, the internal workings of the mind, inspirations and influences, to the more esoteric, it all floats through your conscious awareness as the various piano moods hold your attention allowing your mind to drift but, the heavy drums and polished cuts keep you anchored to reality but, which one…

There are three main elements here Oldboy, with his slick wordplay, Charles Edison, with solid production, and Jabbathakut, who provides the kinda cuts that hit the nail on the head. When you add a couple of top-notch features from two Emcees who are at the top of their game in Micall Parkunsun and One OZ and Pianos Of Grandeur a rock solid Hip Hop sound that will be easy enough to kick back to whilst having just enough edge you can bang it on in car too.

I have to say that I really enjoyed this one. I think that moulding the whole project around the piano as the thing that creates the mood worked so well, it was what drew me to write this review as it was not originally on my list but, I had to once I listened and got into it.

So, my advice is simply to go listen or, more over, buy it and let yourself get immersed in the sound as you won’t regret it.

Pianos Of Grandeur by FBS is out now and features artwork form lkjdrawsdotcom.

 

Enjoy, I’m outta here.

Steve

LINKS

Get your copy of the EP on Bandcamp Here:

https://oldboyhiphop.bandcamp.com/album/pianos-of-grandeur

Single Review: What's It All About / Fly Antics ft Jabbathakut (Pandamonium Remix)

 

What’s it All About / Fly Antics ft Jabbathakut (Pandamonium Remix)

By

MC Oliver Twist meets Pandamonium

 

LL Cool J once said the line “Don’t Call it a comeback” and that line came to mind as a read through the promo material for this release toward the end of 2020. I have dropped reviews for both these artist’s before and both are top guys. Not just that but, they put hard work, dedication, and life experience into there work, just as a many great artists do, and when life throws you curve balls that adds a deeper element to what you produce.

So, at the end of 2020 and with both artists working on album projects, they hooked up and then cooked up a couple of tracks for your listening pleasure.

It is always a pleasure to listen to and review their work so, to be able to review a joint project from these guys was something I was not gonna miss even though my own life experiences meant it was part of my own return.

So, let’s get into this…

What’s it All About is just that, a track that Pandamonium’s production brings your mind to a Parisian café on a warm summers afternoon as you just sit back chewing the fat. Oliver Twist provides the narrative to that setting which crystalizes the vision of a group of friends sitting round chatting over the randomness of life, situations and, ultimately, the greatest question What’s it all about, I mean really…

Fly Antics features cuts by the one and only Jabbathakut and gets the Pandamonium remix treatment, this brings a jazzy feel with a mariachi style guitar vibe. That mariachi vibe fits perfectly with Twist’s wordplay as he takes us on a light-hearted trip through his life and some of the crazy shit he has been up to over the years.

 

Overall, these two tracks bring a refreshing and light-hearted feel with them. The kinda soundtrack you want to those summer days chilling out with good friends and maximizing the feel-good vibes. Through all this Oliver Twist shows that he is going from strength to strength and his forthcoming debut album project is likely to be one of those bar raisers from an incredibly talented artist. Pandamonium brings his talent for being more than able to produce a jazzy vibe that will fit exactly the tone of what the emcee is saying bringing whatever he touches from standard to high definition.

Together these guys perfectly encapsulated a Hip Hop vibe that brings that head nod style mixed with high strength injection of light-hearted feel good. The kinda music that lifts you up when you’re feeling down and sticks in your mind and when you’re wondering what to put on, you’re just like ‘Oh Yeah, that Twist and Panda vibe is what I need.

So, if you’re looking for a little lift or the suns out and you want the soundtrack, then stick these on for the perfect way to raise or simply just match your mood.

So, enjoy and I’m out,

Steve

LINKS

Get your copy of this digital single via Bandcamp Here:

https://mcolivertwistmeetspandamonium.bandcamp.com/releases

MC Oliver Twist on Bandcamp Here:

https://mcolivertwist.bandcamp.com/releases

Pandamonium on Bandcamp Here:

https://djpandamonium.bandcamp.com/

Album Review: Mid-Life Crisis by Reckless

 Mid-Life Crisis

By

Reckless

 

Reckless sent me this album and asked if I would listen to it with headphones and in one sitting, no breaks. Doing this would enable me to get the real feel of what this album was all about. Now, initially, I have to say I was a little skeptical about this but, I did as asked and the outcome of that was, I did it again to make the notes for what you are about to read.

It was somewhat of a challenge to write while listening and thinking but, I’m sure you will enjoy the read and what I have to say about it afterward.

Imagine, just for a second, that you have hit the mid-point of your life and that you could leave your body and take a look back at life to that point, well the vibe of Cognitive Dissonance makes it feel like you are doing just that. King Arthurs production creates this dark but, thoughtful with an almost dreamy element before these brooding 80’s style synths come it and create this mind bending feeling you are separating from your body. Just as you are getting into this strange feeling the instantly recognizable voice of Madchild from Swollen Members grabs your attention to remind you that this is Nottingham’s finest Reckless you’re listening to and this is his story. Now you’re focused in the right direction a deep string vibe again has your awareness. Then the calming voice of Breana Marin steel your attention over a deep beat with a trap feel (production by Dreamlife), then the voice of Reckless drops in and we are treated to a retrospective on just who is this man, Reckless.

Now we know who he it’s time to take a look back at his life and what its like hitting that Mid-Life Crisis. The title track, produced by Dreamlife, is more upbeat with some nice horns which, coupled with the soulful voice of Greg Blackman, create this mood lifting moment as we are treated to the highlights and transformative aspects of life. With our mood lifted we are again treated to the beautiful voice of Breana Marin who takes us into Adored. The track, produced by Dreamlife, has that trap vibe with a heavy beat over a more calming almost electronic element. The track is all about reaching for your dreams and the desire to make them a true reality. There are ups and downs along the way but, that desire to make it happen and to be respected is powerful and will ultimately win out if you stay focused. Time for that head nod Hip Hop vibe with One The Record, which features Nay Loco, Ty Healy with cuts by Jabbathakut and production by Dreamlife. The golden era feel of this almost gives you chills, giving us an insight into the love of good vinyl. There is nothing like dropping the needle on the record, turning the volume up and drifting off into your favourite tracks in way like no other, vinyl is a spiritual experience.

I Wish, produced by Blizzard, has a more soulful vibe that is deepened by the vocals of CW Jones but, still keeping it boom bap. We all have wishes as we move through the challenges of life. Some of those wishes are easy to reach and some are not so easy. But it’s all about staying focused on those wishes, hopes and dreams and not worrying about the journey in-between. Dreamlife’s production on Do Right takes us back to that trap vibe. Reckless is joined by Mandato to look at the decisions we ponder in day-to-day life. There are so many times when we struggle to know what is right and wrong and there are those times when we know we are doing wrong, we know it but, it makes us feel us good. It’s all part of our story that makes us who we are.  Heavy bass with a more laid-back feel is the basis for This Time Next Year, produced by Dreamlife and featuring Idranix, this one is all about living in the moment. The more we do this and focus on right here, right now, we won’t have to worry about the future because this time next year we will already know this shit, that or no one will even give it a second thought. If we think about day-to-day life, you see many faces as you walk but, You Don’t Know The Struggle people go through behind those faces and that struggle is real. This track, produced by Dreamlife, maintains that laid-back feel and sees Scorzayzee and Oliver Rees join Reckless for a look at how people deal with there struggles in life and how we so often don’t know, don’t see or can’t comprehend the struggles behind those faces.

Some nice guitar vibes and a soulful vibe, with vocals from Isiah Rashad, provide the perfect background for Thank You, produced by Dreamlife, this one is an unapologetic and heartfelt message to that one special person in your life, the one who is always there no matter the situation. The comic intro to Not All Heroes Wear Capes sets up a chilled vibe which looks at those people who are in your life who do amazing things at the right times. It could be a small gesture, or a huge offer and it can come from a friend, brother, mother, father, sister, brother, or child, they are all heroes in some way.

There are times in life when you might need a little help to feel good and on All Four Seasons, we walk alongside Reckless as he takes us through various stoned experiences. The track is laid-back, as you’d expect, with production from Dreamlife and a feature from 1^st Blood. From laid-back to a drum heavy piano vibe, produced by Dreamlife, with Briana Marin on the chorus. Here Reckless looks at how being you means, so often, wanting to do things My Way. Sometimes these situations work and sometimes not and your relationships can end up falling apart, you just have to remember it’s all about balance. The album rounds off on an important note. With a laid-back But, still body moving production from Dreamlife and an almost posse cut feel, Louis Cypher, Birdie Mack, and AJ Wyles join Reckless to drop something deep. The last eighteen months have been rough for us, some more than others and with all these us and downs it has become so apparent that we need to reach out. There are many ways people cope with the struggles of life but, the most important thing, as the song says, is to Talk.

 

It has been a pleasure to listen to something that is an immersive, highly personal, and emotive experience. I could literally feel the emotion oozing from this as I listened. There is a definite value in experiencing this album in one go, start to finish, with your headphones on. It does add a slightly deeper experience to whole thing, and I would encourage anyone to do this. Because the album flows perfectly across the vibes, beats and styles of music and the subject matter throughout is likely to make you sit back and look at your own life, especially if you are or have already moved into the second half of your life. But this is not just for the older heads out there because the vibes here will appeal to a fairly wide audience and will give them something to ponder as they go through life, there are some important messages here.

Mid-Life Crisis is probably the perfect shadow to the previous album, A Product of my Environment (2019) which was far more light-hearted and at times tongue-in-cheek look at life growing up. Now we see him as he stands at the mid-point of his life, reflecting and musing over what has gone before and the lessons learnt. We see him tackle subjects like mental health, relationships and other personal subjects that might be one person’s story but, there are things here many of us can relate to.

Reckless shows a maturity in his verbal expression that really draws you in and he also displays different flow styles to match the musical styles and is a credit to his style of rap. The production here creates exactly the right tone for the messages that Reckless put across. Producer Dreamlife especially shows a diverse range of musical expression and does a great job on this album. The guest artists all fit perfectly where they feature adding that extra element when needed and it was good to hear the legendary figure of Scorzayzee here.

There is no set release for Mid-Life Crisis at this time So, you only have my word for how good it is and I hope that is enough for you. But, I for one would like to see it out there and getting the respect it so definitely deserves.

Huge thanks to Reckless for giving me the chance to review this and for bearing with me as I move through some difficult times before getting this one out.

On that note,

I’m Out.

Steve  

Album Review: Rainbows In The Rubble by Frisco Boogie

 

Rainbows In The Rubble

By

Frisco Boogie

 

Rainbows in the Rubble is the follow up to 2020’s Masks of the Morning Sun (Which I also reviewed) and was quite a challenge to review. Frisco sent me the album as a single file and so I took it upon myself to listen and make notes as I went. So, as you can guess it took a couple of listens to get all I needed.

As this was released in February 2021 there are many of you that might have already heard this but, for those of you who have not or for anyone interested in my take on it, Let’s go…

 

The Intro is a simplistic beat that fits with the contemplative narrative as Frisco speaks on reflection of the many differing situations that we have all faced but, there are always the blue skies beyond those grey clouds. Next up is the album’s first single, Survival which drops with an upbeat head nod vibe over a synth which adds to that upbeat feeling. This track evolves that impression from the intro and looks at the little things we do that help us survive those dark days, because its all about the feel good, the more we do that, the less the darkness can steal, and speaking of the feel good Frisco is joined by Billy Biznizz for B.A.R.S, a pounding foot stomp feel with a nerve tingling violin and dope cuts added to the mix. Here it’s all about exactly what the title says, Bars. The art of the emcee is to conjure those words about anything and everything that either needs to be said or just comes to mind, they then write it all down ready for the next project.

The melodic beat and flute on Everyday seems to take you back a few decades and as you listen you get this feeling this one is talking to you about facing life’s challenges and that you can see you have risen from every setback like a phoenix rising from the ashes. The track ends with a laid-back skit that has you mellow out to some positive vibes via a deep vocal that lifts and relaxes you at the same time. The chilled-out vibe continues via calming brass vibes and a laid-back beat on Goodbye (The Second Single from the album) and here we find Frisco saying goodbye to all those negative influences in life. These are the things, the people that you don’t need, just keep walking forward with a focus on your goals. Keeping you in that chilled contemplative place, White Feather carries you along with an eastern vibe from a sitar. The white feather has always had a deep meaning, and many believe that seeing one float down in front of you or one the path in front of you means that you are being watched over by a loved and that you are on the right path. Like a positive sign on those darkest days and as the track ends the music seems to take you to the brink of darkness before hinting at a reincarnation and a return to the light.  

La La La La takes us back to the head nob vibe with a pounding beat and some eerie piano as Friso takes us on trip looking at how some struggle through life and the mind and what is the meaning of it all, is there an easier way, do we have a choice, and do we return after we die? Vandal Savage joins Frisco as beat stays banging and a mind-bending synth tweaks at our awareness as we are taken on a ride through various rough landscapes and experiences but, this is what a good emcee does opens your mind to infinite possibilities while leaving you with the fly’s Swarmin’.  DJ One Step Ahead drops the intro to Here We Go and Frisco details his love for what he does and holding the mic. The bond of an emcee and the mic is an almost spiritual thing, and they are inseparable through thick and thin. This track has a proper upbeat club vibe to get ya movin’.

P.T.S (Pop Twist Shake that shit)  drops with sparse beat over a mix of guitar, violin, and tambourine vibes. This one is a homage to the exploits of all the writers out there. Under cover of darkness they strike, painting their names on the walls around town. Once again, this one ends with a nice positive skit to keep your mood up. We move into the penultimate track, which is also the albums title track, Rainbows in the Rubble, which brings the sunshine after the rain the simple drumbeat is upbeat and is the perfect backdrop to Frisco looks forward to the brighter and more colorful days ahead. This is uplifting to the fullest. The album ends with Dear Me which has a sparse beat leading to a chorus full of brass and piano notes. Here Frisco asks a simple question, what would you say if you could write a letter to yourself?

 

After the last twelve months or so, listening to this album felt like a reflection or a retrospective on what has just passed by. In fact, looking at the current situation in the world around us, you could easily listen to this album anytime and reflect differently each time you listen. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and that tunnel might be long and littered with obstacles and rubble but, the light is there all the same and we will reach it and as we look it creates Rainbows.

The album also works perfectly as a retrospective on your life. You may have reached a particular point in life, say midlife, and you are looking back at what has gone before it might look like a pile of rubble but, the more we look we can see the rainbows, those positive points of reference that remind us we are on the right path.

No matter what context you put on the album it perfectly encapsulates the fact that through all that we experience, there are those beautiful and colorful times that rise above all the negativity and show us the path to a brighter future.

Credit to Frisco Boogie here who has self-produced this album and once again created an awesome piece of musical and lyrical art. I advise listening to this start to finish, as I did, with no breaks as it does hold your attention and allows you to focus and experience it, just as if you were watching a movie or documentary, you wouldn’t pause or dip in and out of it. Frisco’s use of self-production whist works so well with him switching his lyrical flows and pacing to enhance his skillful story telling which works especially well when he is crafting a deep and emotive vison.

Rainbows in the Rubble is available now.

I’m Out,

Peace

Steve

LINKS

Buy the Album and both singles via Frisco Boogie's Bandcamp Page Here:

https://friscoboogie.bandcamp.com/music

Check out Frisco Boogie on YouTube Here:

https://www.youtube.com/user/friscoboogie11/featured