Review: The Herd - Summerland
Thursday
Released: 24 May 2008
Label: Elefant Traks
Website: Profile here and Myspace here
Artist:
The Herd are a relatively large collection of eight artists based in Sydney, Australia. The extensively dynamic group consists of MC Ozi Batla, MC Urthboy, Musicians Unkle Ho, Traksewt, Sulo, Toe-fu, Rok Poshtya and Singer Jane Tyrrell. Their songs are often filled with political puns indirectly mentioned throughout their five albums since forming in 2001.
Opinion:
Summerland is a very diverse album. Hip hop enthusiasts will be reluctant to change over to this type of harmonious melody of sounds produced by the eight artists. Summerland opens with a number of catchy tunes but seems to ease in musical power after each track, then builds up towards the end again (strange?).
The album can almost be matched to the late Astronomy Class album 'Exit Strategy' from 2006. The seamless 'reggae' type feel is heard during the entire album and in effect is mixed with the vocals of hip hop MC's like Urthboy - who really is the only element that brings hip hop into this album.
I enjoyed this album, but only because it's something different for Aussie hip hop. I can't see myself addicted to the sounds but after a long day, this will no doubt ease the mind...
Track Highlights:
Toorali
A catchy British sailor's classic brought to life
Emergency
Describes the world's problems - very catchy tune for such a negative themed song
Zug Zug
The talented female vocals are really brought out here
2020
Highlights their lack of support toward politics and the mistakes politicians cause - this is done brilliantly
Tracks that aren't so great:
Freedom Samba
This track is just way too busy throughout - the female vocals are the only thing that keep me interested
Kids learn quick
This track slows the tempo way down, right smack bang in the middle of the album. It should be the outro.
The Next Movement
I'm not feeling the hip hop here... It's just a long piece from the strings section
Overall:
Reggae type feel integrated with hip hop
Old school hip hop lovers may find it hard to catch onto the lounge-feel, often unheard by many Aussie artists
It's something different but The Herd are amazingly talented!
The Herd are touring around Australia in 08 - see HERE for details
Breezy Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Similar Artists:
Urthboy (solo), Astronomy Class, TZU
1 comments:
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Wow, what a stupid fucking review.
For a start, there are 4 albums, not 5.
Secondly, criticising songs on the basis that they aren't hiphop enough is ridiculous. They have always played with genres and mixed up the musical styles.
Thirdly, Ozi Batla has always done the majority of the rhymes and lyrics, so to say that Urthboy is 'more hiphop' is ill-informed.
Good luck with your insightful blogging.