A fascinating song, both in terms of the writing and the overall audio output. The lyrics are perhaps the last thing to take hold, but once they have you, they don’t let go until the end.
Music
Baker’s voice, and indeed the additional vocal snippets that accompany it, brings listeners a sense of vulnerability & confidence intertwined. It’s as if there’s absolute adoration at work – alongside of a sheer need to create music & express the feeling through art.
Those of us who remember the simple, spacious & observational artistry of the likes of The Streets & Audio Bullys, will respond to this single from Charlie Steel with a deep level of appreciation for its nostalgic, minimalist aura.
The band’s somewhat dark & unpredictable approach to writing grows all the more fascinating as the project goes on. Let the songs pour through one by one, keeping you on your toes, being both entertaining & provocative – offering an ongoing sense of somehow carefree drama.
You can hear the musicianship, which is rare in modern electronic music, and at the same time – you can hear the professionalism in the mix & the final polish. The build-up is superb but even when the soundscape gets thick & full – you can still pick out those key characteristics.
As a songwriter, Palko paints a picture from his own meandering viewpoint – telling stories but always still seeming reflective & personal in his presentation of them. His experience as an artist & musician is clear, and this, his ninth studio album, is one that’s easily worth the time it takes to experience.
The sound is crisp & colorful, and although there are many layers to the soundscape, the original emotion & authenticity of the idea & the human voice have been highlighted at every step. The electronic ambiance takes nothing away from the organic realness & positivity, so you get the best of both worlds.
The lyrics are incredibly poignant, every line is important and says precisely what it means to say. There’s power in this, the power to impact and cause positive change – if only enough people can hear it.
State Royale are walking their own creative pathway, taking hints of influence from various places but essentially sticking to their guns and the intended message and vibe they wish to portray.
Having toured with the likes of Beenie Man & Jimmy Cliff, Mullings’ experience & connection to the arts is unquestionable. On this track, his skills meet with the simple good vibes of the reggae genre, bringing together a free-flowing guitar solo & a lightly uplifting soundscape.
The variety and the refusal to fall below par or utilize filler to make it lengthier add even more worth to an already impressive and immersive hip hop collection.
The album reminds you to work hard, dream big, and stay focused. We all need this sometimes, and Noble offers it up in mass supply on this project, though he does so in a quiet & smooth way. A crisp & wonderful collection from a thoughtful artist clearly driven by positivity.