There I was, looking at my news feed, and saw this album pop up. Thought, "Fuck, a new album. Sure I have to give it a go. I'm very tuned into things." Sure, yes I am. About two months later.
Fuck me backwards and call me Avril. With an air of the old-school style we love so much, yet still sounding fresher than any chemical-ridden Tesco vegetable, this short little project is a treat. Recorded, written, manufactured, sourced, critiqued, shagged, and mixed all in one week, it's a true pleasure. Sounding very much like a homemade record, which is a great aspect, it is but a short release, and that's the only problem with it. It needs to keep going. How and ever, I shan't debate this as of late.
The intro is a short little prelude, with some talking over a funky guitar riff. Scrappy hats and a simple beat lead straight through into the first song.
Template Disaster, to this listener, is the stand-out of the EP. Well it's a favourite anyway. Following on from the intro with the same guitar funkiness and beat, the old school style is a killer. Supreme flow carries through the song, although occasionally there comes a time or three where it's difficult to understand what's being said. Makes it more enjoyable. Second verse, again, has a lovely flow, makes your head bob along to the beat. An ode to old-school hip-hop, it's a banger.
Mission Passed brings the album onward, and features CW Jones. Another talking introduction brings us into the beat, and a notable characteristic is the reversed samples featured throughout. It's not often you hear it anymore. A basic beat, accompanied by haunting strings make for a unique track. The (backwards - I think) fuzzy element sounds a bit muddy at times, but it makes the track interesting. Keeps you on your toes. Admirable flow, smooth beat, everything combines for a straightforward bangin' tune.
Into Subtle Memories (RIP Hacka), the soft hats introduce the beat. A common feature at this point (but by no means over-used), the guitar sounds sweet. Just out of ear-shot is a strange flute-style sample in the background, which is hard to decipher as to what it truly is. Maybe it's reversed too. Spooky. A track to make you reminisce, the song fades to a close with the guitar and beat, and that weird-ass flute thing. I'm so startled.
The last track, Diggers Nightmare, again featuring CW Jones, appears much too soon. We need another... 30 songs. Maybe more!!1! More vocal samples and introductions of hi-hats (sounds very bland, doesn't it?), the guitar takes a turn for the Latin. A groovy vocal melody brings the song into a different terrain, and variance is always appreciated. A clean beat, with a long snare carrying the groove, is coupled with an unusual swirling synth line. The beat changes slightly for the chorus, as does the guitar, and it makes you bounce your head along. You have no control over it. Flow and phonetics are key, and it's the most laidback track on the EP. A verse here, a guitar riff there, into the chorus we go, with a lot of breath in the background. The chorus is repeated at the end, with the last line continually echoed, until all that is left is a vinyl crackle. A fitting end to an existential journey, this EP is an immense release. Big Up.
If you like English hip-hop, you'll love this. If you don't, well then. Make like a tree and fuck off. As emphasized previous, Template Disaster would be a favourite. One of the more upbeat tracks. See how you find it. Thumbs up. Link below. Script.
Averagity Rating: Ah man, well above average.
Bandcamp: https://spitfireukofficial.bandcamp.com/album/crypted-facts-lifted-wax
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