Elemental and Mr Simmonds Forget Me Lots Review
Not long after floating down to southern shores a decade or so ago, I came across a talented so n' so called Elemental. Together with one of the most talented and hard working producers Mr. Simmonds, he made one of my favourite UK hip hop albums, and it still gets plays round my way even today. With more than a few years hiatus under their belts, the dream team are back!
Elemental performs as the steam-punk pioneer and purveyor of pure hip hop hilarity Professor Elemental. World conquering and Comic-Con connoisseur, he has provided the comedic soundtrack to many a summer outing. Personally for me though, never is he more impressive than as his straight MC persona Elemental with Simmonds at the helm. The two create hip hop pleasure like they seem to know each other's minds in and out. With lush beats that seep in bass beauty, and drums with more groove than a world record fair, the tracks blend effortlessly into one's repertoire like they're old friends returning from a long and tiring journey.
The first track and brand new single 'Forget Me Lots' is as squelchy as hip hop comes. Relaxing through references of memory loss and tiredness, the tune tickles the ear lobes with culturural comedy and an MC craving for an easier life. Bubbling over the docile drums and bimbling to its conclusion, it sticks in the head with ambling accuracy. It stands as the first single from the long awaited album 'Dressed up to fall down', and features 3 more tracks not available on the album.
The accompanying tracks are no less impressive. Classis hip hop bounce and beats that explode with years of hard work and passion. With feature bars that weigh more than a juggernaut from King Porter Stomp's 'Jonezy', the tongue twisting talents flow throughout the tracks. The humour and passion bat back and forth effortlessly and the result is two MCs keeping the listener's attention from start to finish. This is top UK rhyming from serious players in their retrospective scenes, and a strong example of what these shores have to offer.
Elemental and Simmonds have been away a long time, but i dare even say it was worth the wait. Wonderfully witty, and honoured to be heirs of hip hop, here stand heroes of the underground. The full album drops on 14th April.
