Page 74 - Zone Magazine Issue 006

ALBUMS
MUSIC REVIEWS
Fiachtadh McDermott [Ireland] Hip-Hop/Rap
Dead Players
Freshly Skeletal
[High Focus Records]
Zone Rating - 10/10
An exemplary piece of work showing the new approaches undertaken by Dead Players, the venomous polemical that is Freshly Skeletal is an apex in the British hip-hop scene. Full of the perverse attitudes iconic of each individual, the trio embark on a powerhouse of experimentation in the sonic arts. Jam Baxter and Dabbla exhibit variegated lyrics flowing on top of harsh Ghosttown beats, encapsulating the listener in a musical journey which ends far too soon.
Right from the start, Oh Well initiates the album with a peculiar introduction consisting of faint despairing whisperings. The lazy flow and dark lyrics from Dabbla set a grim scene, with Baxter only adding to the atmosphere. However, the climate changes drastically with the beginning of Billa. Featuring the title word repeated consistently, the heavy percussion and wide spaces on behalf of Ghosttown raise the tempo. Baxter loses his laziness and comes forward with complete energy, with Dabbla spitting his flows from behind clenched teeth.
A rhetorical reply to the previously released Yeah, Nah holds a reserved chaos coupled with a sarcasm only Dabbla can apply. Call Us Now, released in anticipation of the album just over a month ago, keeps the momentum and force. The lyricism is immense, the projection is perfect, and the sarcastic flow so iconic of the duo cements the group as top players in the scene.
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Progressing smoothly into B.A.W.G., an atmosphere of paranoia seeps from the track. Over a backdrop executed perfectly by Ghosttown, the lyricists spit heavy flows, the three melding together to form a release of immeasurable weight. To add some diversity, Lee Scott features on Do It in a strange and unique way, distinct of the artist. A much more upbeat track, Scott is the perfect addition. Slow, relaxed and laid-back, it suits Baxter’s sluggish attitude.
Ushering back the substantial power with Ringing, the lazy arrogance of Baxter and Dabbla are faultless. Likewise, with High, the heavy beat retains the punch and pushes the album forward. Raw energy, spacious sonic landscapes and lethargic rhyming perfectly exemplify the group’s prowess.
Of course, the album wouldn’t be complete without a track featuring some admirable names in the game. Infinite Limousine Pile Up consists of Ocean Wisdom, with a lyrical racket as quick and electric as ever, Sox, Illaman and Orifice Vulgatron. Variance is key, with Sox adding a strange, half-singing style; Illaman and a sarcastic flow to match Dabbla or Baxter; Orifice angrier than any other track on the release; the Players’ raw and rough as ever.
Released previous, Cooked features a distorted disillusioned violin that’s both caustic and infectious. Energetic rhythms from the lyrical duo set the standard, and the production from Ghosttown is phenomenal. The abstract flows amidst a Velvet Undergound-esque beat (think
Venus in Furs) exemplify the talent presented.
Finishing with the malignant Drenching, the album closes on a dark haunting twist. Baxter returns to his lazy rhyming which suits the track perfectly. Ghosttown is on peak form, and Dabbla displays a different, quieter side. With more focus on words than usual, the hypnotic tones surround the listener, making this a superb ending to a phenomenal album.
A step from the traditional boom-bap style of the group’s self-titled debut, this album feels as if Dead Players are revamping the British underground, with nothing before sounding anything like it. Ghosttown’s beats exist in an existential reality, somehow fusing with Jam Baxter and Dabbla’s rhyming to produce a release presenting the trio as being at the top of their game. Between sarcastic instrumentation and raw, honest power, if this is where hip-hop is headed then the next release is eagerly awaited.
Freshly Skeletal is available for purchase now on Dead Players’ Bandcamp. Videos have been released for Call Us Now and Cooked.
https://dead-
players.bandcamp.com/ album/freshly-skeletal
http://shop.high-focus.com/ product/dead-players-freshly- skeletal-limited-edition-vinyl- pre-order