hiphoplifeandtimes

Alright, here’s the deal. I have to be honest, and admit that I was a little skeptical before listening to this EP. I’d listened to ThinkTank’s other releases, and really enjoyed their track ‘Spoondolee’, but I was still left with a feeling that these dudes needed a lot more time to grow. However, being the super open-minded, lover of the world and all things ever, I put my judgements aside and did my best to listen without any preconceived notions. Well, well whaddyano, after that whole song and dance was over, once the first few minutes kicked in, that judgment I was so worried about before listening, was pretty much null and void. ThinkTank are still a relatively new group, and yes they are still rough around the edges, but they have definitely carved out their own space within hip-hop that not a lot of rappers can successfully do. It’s an EP that musically relies a lot on full instrumental breaks, so much so that I had to check prior to this review if they used a band. Instead of cutting the guitar riffs and drum breaks up, they’ve given them a bigger presence on the EP, and as a result gives the overall production a more fuller, and relatively unusual sound (in regards to a lot of other groups). That’s not to say, they way is the right or wrong approach, but it definitely sets them apart from a lot of other releases, and might attract fans of other genres, not just the obvious hip-hop base.
I’ll always be a fan of DJ’s having prominence on records (in fact, prominence in general everywhere), but being a punk rock kid I’m always pleasantly pleased to hear more rap record that feature instruments more heavily. It’s a trend that I’ve been seeing a lot recently, and it’s nice to see artists getting back to the roots of the music, and incorporating them again.

Alright, so I’ve written a whole paragraph about instruments; I hope I haven’t lost any of you along the way (although if I have, I can’t help that you’re a sucker blood). When it comes to lyrics, TT aren’t stupid guys, and don’t waste space, filling up the record with shallow or pointless contents. This is an honest EP full of personal observations. Whether that’s in regards to money, and the idle-worship of capital, or tracks like ‘Simple Truth’ that discuss people’s need to put all their faith and passion in things that aren’t don’t really hold much weight (There is no real difference between iPhone 4 or 5, just a bigger phone bill), or importance in the long run.
Sometimes I do worry that people might think I’m just some serious Sally that only likes songs about saving the world, or starting a revolution by Tuesday. Yes, I am a fan of those things, I’m also a fan of light-hearted, fun party songs and ‘Wall Of Sound’ is a perfect example of how to do that right. Catchy lyrics, and some lovely scratches (see, you can have instruments and turntables, it’s pretty easy you know) with no space for self-indulgent pretence. It finishes the EP out nicely, and gives the record as a whole a well-rounded, and more substantial feel.
Both rappers sound comfortable throughout this EP, and at no time did I get the feeling that they were forcing their flow, or style in exchange for diversity or variation. They know their own individual strengths, and loyally stick to them regardless of subject matter, or production change. Something that becomes more and more obvious after a few spins.

In short, this is a fun and cleverly put together EP, and I’m really intrigued to see what else the boys can come up with next.
-Words: Aimee

For fans of Jamie-T, Too Many T’s, and Haan.