A busy month for myself, soundtrack by a diverse and fantastic collection of albums.
Fontaines DC – Dogrel
Ireland may be small in size, but its musical offering are anything but that. Fontaines DC may very well be the next Irish band that will blow up internationally, and this album could very well be the powder keg needed to do it.
“Dublin in the rain is mine” are the first emphatic words that welcome you to the album, the opening song Big, plainly stating the bands goals. As the track list progress, we are met with blistering tracks like Hurricane Laughter, while also being shown the softer side of the band with track like Television Screens. “You know I love that violence that you get around here, that kind of ready-steady violence”, the odes to Dublin continuing on Liberty Belle, as the album marches forward at a snappy pace. But just as this album is a one that romanticises Dublin, it also can be honest, Boy in the Better Land emphasising that you it “doesn’t matter what you are, get yourself a good car, get outta here”.
This really is an amazing album. It feels personal and familiar, but keeps an edge and wit about it. There will be no doubt that you will see this album firmly placed among the higher reaches of countless end of year lists, and I would not be surprised if this goes on to win the Choice Music Award next year.
Rico Nasty & Kenny Beats – Anger Management
After a fantastic 2018, Rico Nasty returns with this brilliant project. Kenny Beats acts as the executive producer, continuing the relationship that has been so dynamic for the last year.
It wouldn’t be a Rico Nasty project if she wasn’t screaming bloody murder from the very beginning, and that’s exactly what we get here. Cold sets the mood for the album, you know it’s going to be hectic. Baauer assists with the production on Cheat Code, and the ever-versatile Harry Fraud jumps on the production on the track Relative, adding their own unique spin to the tracks. On Hatin, Rico and Kenny keep it simple but effective, using Jay-Z’s Dirt off Ya Shoulder beat, Rico making it clear she has no concern for the opinions of those who doubt her. With the final two tracks, Rico delivers raw and honest insight into her life since blowing up. On Sell Out, she reminisces of her struggle, her come-up, and if she can remain authentic and true to herself. As we progress to the next track, Again, Rico comes to the realisation that her burgeoning success and fame is due to her hard work and determination. She admits that she will still make mistake and not everything will be perfect, but she’s is where she is for a reason, and she knows she deserves it.
This really spells great things for Rico, and her relationship with Kenny. A snappy run time means it’s all killer and no filler, bangers and emotional songs run side by side; this project shows the potential Rico Nasty has to keep growing and expanding, and continuing to establish herself as one of the most interesting acts in Hip Hop.
Anderson .Paak – Ventura
Cheeky Andy take very little time from his last outing, December’s Oxnard, before delivering this fresh batch of smooth jams. Questions of whether these efforts were left-overs from Oxnard were quickly dispelled upon listening; this is album worthy of praise, and there no doubt about the passion behind it.
Feature heavy, Paak brings on some big names to accompany him, but doesn’t rely on them to carry him or the songs themselves. The opening tacks, Come Home, is smooth as butter. A killer opening tracks, Paak is joined by the living legend André 3000. A 3 Stacks verse is never misplaced, setting a strong foundation for the album to build on. Not letting up on the big restaurant, R&B legend Smokey Robinson assists on Make It Better, an infectious groove. A unexpected but highly appreciated features comes from 2000s R&B staple Brandy, jumping on the hook of Jet Black. The best feature however, one that is truly great, is that of the Nate Dogg.
The late, great, bonafide legend of the Hip-Hop and R&B game appears on the closer, What Can We Do?. The parallels between Paak and Nate Dogg are obvious; two soul men who can lay smooth singing hooks, but two who can also deliver solid bars on the same track. It’s a shame they never got to work together when Nate was with us, but the the way the track make it seem like they’re just kicking it in the studio is really wonderful.
Oxnard is no way “left-overs” of Ventura, this is a album of straight grooves front to back, and Anderson .Paak will keep going from strength to strength.
Incoherent Music Rants 