Why - Sod The Seed [EP] (7.5/10)

I often find that even my favourite bands are often fully capable of releasing an album that does absolutely nothing for me, usually right when I feel the band is capable of doing no wrong, it was in 2009 that Why? became the latest addition to this ever growing list of bands. 'Eskimo Snow' was an album I found to be rather bland, it kept all the melodic scope of Why? but it seemed to lose the quirkyness along the way & I found it made for a collection of rather dull forgettable songs. As a result this latest EP from Why? felt like a bit of a re-evaluation, are they going a direction not meant for me, or was 'Eskimo Snow' just a one off? Thankfully 'Sod The Seed' passes this test with flying colours as it seems to be calling back to the sort of sound found on 'Elephant Eyelash' with it's focus on melody still firmly intact but with the added bonus of their quirky sound and hooks, something I felt was missing almost entirely from 'Eskimo Snow' and as a result the personality that drew me to Why? seems to be back in full force. The album opens off with title track and 'Sod In The Seed' which in particular reminded me of the 'Elephant Eyelash' days with it's soft chorus and rapped vocals over bass line and organ. This is followed by personal favourite 'For Someone' which does more of the same and then the very church organ inspired 'The Plan' comes in full force with a very catchy melody which could come off a bit hokey but the uplifting feel of the organ tone really suits this song. The closer 'Shag Carpet' follows a couple of incredibly short but very much enjoyable tracks which almost trade off as interludes between the start of the album and the closer which carries the slightly darker  feel found on 'Alopecia'. On the whole Sod The Seed has the very much unmistakable sound of 'Why?' about it and whilst 'Elephant Eyelash' had this sparingly this album breams with 'Why?'s' very distinct character and that's what I like about them more then anything, it's the concept & sound of the band that first drew me to them & whilst the lyrical prowess remained  threw out Eskimo Snow the sound I fell in love with was no there but with Sod The Seed it appears to be back.

  

Album Review: Doseone - G Is For Deep

Doseone has been a central figure in my music taste for as long as I can remember. Being a member of cLOUDDEAD, Subtle, 13&God as well as Themselves and being a co-founder of the always incredible Anticon label he has been in, some way shape or form, my gateway drug into alternative hip hop and electronic music for quite some time. This album sort of carries on from Subtles excellent 'exitingARM' in that each song feels like a combination of many whilst carrying a coherent arc & it works very well. The production is quite alienating at first but on repeated listens it reveals its self to be a very catchy and strangely beautiful set of compositions with some truly brilliant/odd sampling. On top of Doseones ever weird, wonderful & creative vocals I find it very hard not to recommend this album, it's brilliant.

Album Review: EL-P - Cancer For Cure

Having produced the excellent Killer Mike album 'R.A.P. Music' would it be too much to ask for 2 gems in one month from EL-P? Well the answer to that would be of course not as 'Cancer For Cure' not only knocks it out of the park it may be, in my opinion at least, EL-P's most enjoyable release to date. As expected the album is very electronic influenced, distorted and frantic in rhythm and pace & much like the Killer Mike album 'R.A.P. Music' it doesn't allow the slightly off kilter production get in the way off a good hook. This album is, as one would probably expect, an absolutely required addition to any hip hop fans library as well as fans of alternative music in general. EL-P is still the thinking mans emcee and he still pushes the envelope as far as beats and lyrics are concerned, however I think I prefer 'R.A.P. Music' just that tiny bit more, I think I prefer Killer Mikes delivery.

Album Review : KIller Mike - R.A.P. Music

My rules of hip hop

1) Don't have boring beats

2) Don't have shit lyrics

Well that was simple wasn't it? As long as both these boxes are ticked then the chances are I'll like your record & Killer Mike's R.A.P. music passes this test with flying colours. With interesting beats produced by the legendary EL-P & some very strong well-informed lyrics this album comes very close to what I'd consider a perfect hip hop album, it's quite versatile too, the are songs to dance to and songs to groove to with a healthy dose of hooks to help you go along for the ride. This is a very strong entry into Killer Mikes blossoming career and I cannot wait for more, especially if the self titled closer is anything to go by, this is hip hop with ambition.

Album Review: Death Grips - The Money Store

Ever wondered what a concussion in a night club would feel like? I'm pretty sure Death Grips have put out a definitive answer & I now introduuce you to the album that'll top many best of 2012 lists as well as many worst of 2012 lists. Polarising is a polite way to put this album, you'll either absolutely love it or simply be put off the moment the noise comes out of the speakers. This abrasive effort of Hardcore meets Hip Hop is loud, dirty and ugly and doesn't try to be anything else. Having said that 'The Money Store' is a hell of a lot more approachable then the first album 'Ex Military' with songs such as 'The Fever (Aye Aye)', 'The Cage' & 'I've Seen Footage' perhaps easing people in but even if it's a major label release calling anything on here mainstream or truly approachable would be foolish. As it is the dirty & loud controlled chaos  on show here really appeals to me & I think this album is nothing short of incredible. But as I said you'll either love it or hate it, so don't take this review as a definitive recommendation
                                                                                

Thoughts on: THEESatisfaction - awE naturalE

Genres: Hip Hop/RnB/Soul/Experimental

Mood: Chilled/Fun/Adventurous

Label: SubPop

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An album I had very little knowledge of whilst going into the first listen turns out to be an incredibly catchy, well recorded and really interesting take on RnB/Soul/Hip Hop. This stuff is incredibly catchy but it has a very surreal/warped and weird feel to it but with enough familiar ground being covered to make it incredibly accessible with tracks such as 'Earthseed' & 'Sweat' being amongst some of the best songs I have heard all year, with their off-kilter approach to the genre, they sound incredibly fresh and full of personality.

For all that's good with this album I do find that it loses steam just the tiniest amount towards the end but overall I do really enjoy it and really love the blending of styles & every time the experimental and approachable mix in such a seamless way it's a cause of celebration, the highs make it hard for me not to recommend this album.

Listen On Spotify  THEESatisfaction – awE naturalE

Stand Out Songs: Earthseed, Queens & Sweat

Upcoming UK Dates

20th April [Bristol] 24th April [London]