2nd Class Citizen A Hall Of Mirrors Album Review
The UK has some serious gravitas these days in the wide world of hip hop. It's taken time and years of building for us to say quite proudly that we present some of the best music on the planet. One thing we've always held the mantle for though, is trip hop. From the likes of Herbalizer, Mr. Scruff, Bonobo, DJ Food, Vadim, Coldcut and the whole Ninja Tunes franchise, we seem to do it better than anyone else. We've reviewed a few of the recent trip hop releases and been more than impressed so when i saw this man's name scroll through social media this morning - I knew i was in for a treat. The brand new album 'A Hall Of Mirrors' from London's own 2nd Class Citizen is something that I’ve been anticipating. All his previous outings have an air of quality and musical knowledge that goes to show the years spent achieving it.
This release begins with an atmospheric intro that sets the scene beautifully, then bursts in with it's first feature from the brilliant Myka 9. Simple but effective, the song makes clear that as an artist he may be pushing boundaries, but he hasn't forgotten his hip hop roots. The continuing tracks pick samples and quotes that bring a style and effectiveness that makes this sound his own. With great production over the crazy experimental beats, and an gravel filled atmosphere that really is unique, the album flows by like a derelict but full of life city scape as it speeds passed a train carriage window. The press release goes on to say... "As the title suggests this project is a sonic journey into the world of perception. Fusing the analog and digital worlds, 2CC builds on his signature blend of psych/hip-hop and amplified folk that has been keeping listeners spellbound for years."
2econd Class Citizen | Follow U FT Graciellita
Epic and thoughtful, the tracks have a great depth and a gritty presence. With the title track featuring vocals from the talented Bobbie Watson, the tune is a journey within a journey. The vibes and flow approached here are incredibly intricate and meaningful. This is less an album of music and more a complete work of art. Haunting melodies and heart felt vocals all come together to portray a melancholy Uk street vibe that is second to none.
Gracielitta completes the feature duties in style and creates another track that penetrates straight to the core. The album is even capped with a Herbaliser remix , there are no fillers here, and every note is considered and carefully placed. The hard work and time that went in to its creation are clear from start to finish, and I for one will be keeping one eye on the 2nd Class Citizen camp for future drops, meanwhile this is going straight on the summer playlist.
Invokal - Verbalist Journalist
The Facts:
The cover art entitled “illusion” is inspired by the album title and was created by French neo-surreal collagist Albane Simon with typography alterations performed by Openmind (Ninjatune).
Released 26 June 2015
Available in Vinyl, digital or CD format
Recorded Fall –Autumn 2015 @ The Magic Number (Brighton, UK)
Mastered By Dimitris Kountouris @ Horizon , Athens, Greece
All tracks written and arranged by 2econd Class Citizen (Aaron Thomason)
