A strong release by slept on NY hip hop futurists.
author: Sean Maru
This is a challenging CD. It challenges many of the conventions in hip hop song writing. The rhyme schemes are very intricate and even over the course of a single song there is significant evolution. The rhymes often have multiple layers of meaning and the references can flash between sci-fi and pop culture at will. If you are like me and love absorbing dense rhyme schemes and appreciate highly athletic lyricism, then this will not disappoint.
The production provides an intriguing backdrop for all of this verbal activity. The tracks range from rugged, disjointed (almost Company Flow-esque) drum patterns to lush, melodic synth textures. There is also very creative use of what must be a vast video library as samples from a number of sci-fi movies appear during and between tracks. The idea of using movie samples if far from new and really only works in the hands of the skilled producer. Dynamics Plus is one of those producers. He weaves them in and out of the verses and songs to good effect throughout this disc. The arrangments are also a welcome departure from the safe 16/8 formula many use.
One thing I appreciate about this CD is that it is full of concepts and they all tie in to each other. Remember when albums had actually concepts to them instead of just being a collection of songs (e.g. the club song, the underground song, the crossover attempt, etc)? This album is the antithesis of that.
If you like intense lyrics, rugged break beats, synth textures and aren't afraid of sci-fi then this album is a must have. I give this 5 stars based on originality alone.
sean
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Sick singles and great hard beats make this one work.
author: Mark Zeblin
Sick singles and great hard beats make this one work. Some of the lyrics are a little fast for my taste, but altogether the flow and sound of this album keeps it in the CD changer at all times. I never knew this level of production was possible without huge deals and rapping about the same old thing. I grabbed the other album and wrote a review for that record too.
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Sounding like a head-on collision between Kool Keith, MF Doom and Company Flow t
author: Dj Slim
"New York based sci-fi Hip-Hop makes a return with the four-man outfit The Lenzmen and their latest journey into the unknown. Sounding like a head-on collision between Kool Keith, MF Doom and Company Flow the progressive sound of The Lenzmen flips between highly lyrical wordplay and space-age interludes designed to tie the whole affair together. Geared to the lyrically minded this album will most likely sit best with the headphone-rocking crowd who are happy to soak up the dense wordplay directly. The experimental nature of tracks such as ‘Clear The Way,’ ‘Battle Planet Story,’ ‘Residue’ and ‘Hybrid Higher Dictions’ are sure to find as many detractors as they do fans, but this album is certain to create an almost fanatical following amongst those who catch onto it’s science fiction based feel. Overall fans of underground independent labels may want to check this, while those more accustomed to the mainstream sounds of the likes of The Game may well find this album one step too far."
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Lyrically Enchanced LP!!!!!
author: Kae-El aka Sudan Life
This CD is off the hook!!!! If you are into precise and sharp lyricism with beats to match, this is for you!!! Cop it!!! These kats from Strong Island has been putting down for sometime now. And they are definetly doing on this CD!!!
A couple of my favorites are the Hardcore Westler I and II, the concept and the execution of Interactive Construction Module...that is tight (asking the computer to play the track and insert each of the Lenzmen's voice module into it) That is crazy right there. I could go on for days on what to check out, but you should check out this CD, it definetly opens the mind!!
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