producer: ohmega watts, braille, others.

As we are mainly listening to music for entertainment purposes, music should be good. And it shouldn't be mediocre, okay, good enough, or even bad, wack, boring. It should be good. Hence the frustration of having to bear with a record that doesn't live up to our expectancies, will be valid, while obviously something that needs to be prevented. But at the same time, bearing all these unsatisfying records, is making it possible for us to enjoy the good ones even more. It's probably unfair to say that we are surprised that three of the most surprising records that gave us an abundance of enjoyment, came from the same label. Unfair, because that implies that we didn't expect anything good. But Syntax has released the RedCloud album, the Comunalien album, and now the Acts:29 album, and while we were afraid, that we will have to endure musical manure, so to say, our pleasure is only the bigger when we realized that all three of these records are good. And while we have already reviewed the RedCloud, and are currently struggling with coming up with a deserving Comunalien review, this here is meant to be the opening paragraph of the review of the Acts:29 album "Under Exposed".

However, first we need to tell you who hides behind this somewhat awkward group name. It's Braille, Ohmega Watts and Soul Plasma. And if you have never heard of them, then relax, cause the exact purpose of "See Clear" is exactly to make it possible for you to get to know these characters. Hence we can get the first impression, and we shall share it with you: Soul Plasma sounds kinda 'Original Flavor'. That's also due to the whole track having a remote early 90's feel to it, as Ohmega Watts put something together that must be quite an opener during a show. More of that flavor can be heard on "Shoot Out", while this is a little bit less hype, and on "We Know", that's a little bit less good. While not to boogie around, we very much enjoy "Hurts To See" though, as Ohmega hooks up a nice flute, matching it with singing by Tiffany Simpson and a little guitar in the back, to give us a completed, smooth and very nice track.

Braille Brizzy also provides some of the beats, like "SP 2001" (a Soul Plasma solo cut) and "Sweet Tooth", with the latter containing instant neck stimulation. Lyrically we are getting the tales of people that can't just get it together, always stumbling from one messing up ignorant situation to the next. Braille shares the production duties with Watts and Kaylan Romero on "Missionary Dater" (another cut that profiles a fictional person), while Watts was solely responsible for the bringing along friends cut "Posse On Burnside", that features Othello of Lojique and Ethic spit verses with Acts:29. Braille is treated to his solo cut with "C'mon?!" that features Katie Patridge on the singing tip and lyrics that make this his public prayer and personal sermon. Or the other way around. And lyrically this is seconded on "Confessions" where Watts joins Braille and Tiffany Simpson joins Katie.

On the more calmer side, there's "Blank Minds". Tracks like this are necessary, as they allow to approach topics in a totally different way, with the beat nestling in the back to merely be complementary. What then however can be a cheap excuse for a weaker beat. Nevertheless the purpose of this track is to discuss the lack of consciously reflecting on actions, with our three heroes then providing "the truth is alive, back from ancient times / bringing light to your blank minds". So while we are not too keen on this cut, we certainly enjoy the jazzy vibe of "Overnight", that's being used to discuss the environment in which a positive change would have to be created, and what circumstances need to be taken into consideration. Very smooth is "Deja Vu", with the beat featuring much musicality, that is perfect to blend in with talking about the feelings and thoughts these cats have for the special one (something that is seconded on "Family Life"). Also right in that vibe is "Statements", where Ohmega Watts hooks up a sample that has just been used by the Five Deez on their album. But that can't get us mad, as this sample is pure beauty, once again making the track that uses it, to be one of our favorite of the album.

What's really nice about this album, is the multitude of flavors that are combined. And that goes beyond the three emcees that are obviously putting their own distinct blueprint to each track, being with their flow, their way of putting words together, or even their unique way of how to approach a topic. Hence with a various blend of beats and rhymes, we get a record that has the quality of having something for everyone, while still sounding distinct. As well as mainly sounding good.