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Yearly Archives: 2018
LyricL: UnequiVocal [Tokyo Dawn]
“UnequiVocal” is an aptly title, for there may be no equal for the lyrical dexterity of poet and hip-hop lyricist Nkechi da LyricL (aka Lyric L). LyricL has performed with everyone from Mark De Clive Lowe, Bugz In The Attic and Aroop Roy just to name a few. “UnequiVocal” is her follow up to her smash debut “Amazed”. Although that record dropped over six years ago she has seamlessly picked up where she left off. That means there’s a myriad of rhythms tailored to her exceptional rhyming skills enhanced by a number of talented guests as well. On “Dreamstate” LyricL is joined by rapper 3rd Person and Breakplus to trade verses over a laid back boom bap beat. “Juxtapose” is an intoxicating Afro house number featuring Rachel Huggins and Shaun Ashby. “Expected To” featuring Daz-I-Kue is a wicked bruk beat track reminiscent of her work from the London broken beat scene from over a decade ago. That’s just a sampling of the amount of gems spread across this record. I can easily go on but you need to listen for yourself, you won’t be disappointed. Highly recommended.
30/70 Collective: Elevate [Rhythm Section International]
Clearly there’s something in the water down in Melbourne. With the success of Hiatus Kaiyote we now have 30/70 Collective to emerge from their vibrant music scene. “Elevate” is the superb follow up to their impressive debut “Cold Radish Coma”. This sublime release resonates with warm soulful harmonies and strong instrumentation. The opener “Slangin” is laid back, warm and melodic. The tune is built around rhythmic synths, moogs and a cavalcade of vocals, most notably lead vocalist Allysha Joy. “Misrepresented” follows the same formula with the addition of funky guitar rhythms and horns. Each track here flows together thematically and filled with rich textures and catchy hooks. The only negative is there’s only 9 tracks to savor. That being said, “Elevate” is deeply satisfying record that warrants repeated listens. This is a group to keep an eye on
Ikebe Shakedown: The Way Home [Colemine]
The Brooklyn based band return with another collection of infectious gritty funk instrumentals. “The Way Home” pulls from an array of influences of Afro, psychedelia and a heavy dose of soul. There’s plenty to savor here starting with the opening track “Supermoon”. A fiery soul tune ripe with blistering horns, percussion and wicked electric guitar rhythms. “she’s Knocking” is slow grinding soul that follows the same formula. With their trademark tight instrumentation and no sign of filler, “The Way Home” is a sure bet for soul aficionados.
The Andy Tolman Cartel: Cypher [Freestyle]
Inspired by the great movie soundtracks of the seventies, The Andy Tolman Cartel present “Cypher”. This nine track lp captures the cinematic soundscapes that were as pivotal to film as the movie itself. An accomplished bass player, Tolman integrates funk and big band rhythms seamlessly throughout this disc. “Move Over” is a funky number that features Jo Harmon on vocals and Steve Watt on the Hammond Organ. “You What” is another sizzling highlight that kicks off with Tolman’s funky guitar intro and features Carl Hudson on keyboards. Produced by Nick van Gelder who also occupies the drum chair on the entire disc. “Cypher” engages you to visualize some of your favorite movie scores and ensures you’ll have a funky good time while doing so.