producers: melodramatic

Put the CD in your computer. No, not to make mp3s and put them on Napster. Naw man, real people don't do that. But this CD is enhanced. You know, it's not just an audio CD but also an interactive CD-Rom for your computer. And just like the Melodramatic website, just like the album artwork, the content of the CD-Rom (that seems to be based on the website), looks mighty well. So we are in for a treat. And straight up, this 'enhanced' feature is something more artists should use. Anyways though, let's now check out what happens, when we put the CD in our stereo rack.

With "Eclipse" we can already come to the conclusion, that this is not of the fast food kind. The way, the violin is giving us a manic background, while scratched patterns are providing the backbone, shows the tender loving care of a chef de cuisine. At the same time, the two emcees are going through more knowledgeable rhymes on the first cut, than most artist are able to pull off in a life time. That doesn't make it an easy swallow though. But for all those, whose only brain movement is not within the mass, but simply due to head movement, be assured, your gray mass will be shaken up and down in a frenzy, as the Melodramatics also give us tracks like "Melo Deez", that are definite head nodders.

The drum of "Watchu Wanna Do Now" sounds lifted from somewhere, but in a gifted way. Still the track is a little alienating, with the Twista like flows and the little ragga toasting flavor thrown in. That's why we should rather focus on the cool space war sounds, that appear during the chorus. The content is not just simple bragging, but accusations are thrown in the direction of other artists, as well as general statements for good measure. And if you doubt this, they already thought about them, and the offer to 'punch all non believers in their face'. But if you are a quick runner, you might not have to be afraid of them.

Next we focus on the insanely smiling "Yes I'm Crazy", that tries everything to prove the statement to us. Passing by the "some old school sh--", we then stand in front of the funky "Steel Drums", where Los and Rosko do some traditional back and froth rhyming, and we hear them reminisce of the good old days. A foreign topic to all freshman's, but the old geezers amongst you will join the 'dramatic on the trip down memory lane. Musically brilliant is "love prelude" and we definitely want more of this kind.

Our wish is not really granted as "Love To A Star" doesn't sound like its prelude. But it also sounds dope, what makes this the complete winner to be found on this album. The subject of choice is pretty clear, as we get flipped romancing, that is taken over the top with the coolest sampled hook hear in a while. Things are still smooth, however in a roughed up way, on "Wind It Up", that suffers due to the animated delivery, that is ill fitting in contrast to the beat. Something that "Mighty M.C.s" doesn't fall prey to, as the playful beat, allows every flow to match. This is really cool too, with the two cats biging up themselves, making clear the difference between themselves and the fake and faltering, as well as the selling out emcees. We then go into an instrumental piece, it being "take me away", a jazzy organ exploration, that will ease your mind.

On "Red Sun", the words return over an Asiatic beat. The old school aesthetic is making the programming complex, and we once more get exposed to spiritual rhymes. The track is also changing throughout, what makes boredom impossible. After such intensity, we enjoy the relaxed and mellow "Abstract Reflections", that doesn't allow our brain a break though. Next up, Melodramatic team up with Wayne Flames and Paul Pot on "Unspoken Gospel". However, it is "Alive" that has us reach for the repeat button, as once more we are shown the 'dramatics ability to create something beautiful, musically and also lyrically. And in this case, there's the sweet singing voice of Sana Pasha, that is decorating the track and making it another through and through dope track. Then finally, the band picks up the instruments, to skillfully and shockingly play out the contrast of the hectic and the beauty on "Hectic Daze In A Beautiful World".

This album does sounds like not much else. What is also making this mighty special. And while the last 2/3 sound more appealing to this reviewer, without calling the first 1/3 totally falling off. A record that courageously follows its own intents, and creating something thoroughly worthwhile.