Breadcrumbs
Tapwater
© Copyright-Imaginations Treetrunk
(884502009613)
Record Label: Imaginations Treetrunk
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Tapwater
Breadcrumbs
Most words by Thomas Quinlan
Tapwater’s Aspire and Azraelian stumble out of the block with opening track “Breadcrumbs,” an artsy conceptual track that has each emcee simultaneously reciting their own thematically-connected poem over atmospheric, minimal music. But when the poems end, either DJ Wunderkut or DJ Marvel picks things up a bit cutting “tapwater” until the dripping that started everything accumulates into waves that evolve into following track “Follow the Tide.” While a perfect example of how Aalo Guha’s dreamy mix of drums, keys (often pianos) and varied airy effects are so well-suited to the duo’s coffee shop poetics and conceptual story raps, sometimes his production does come off as a little too minimal on this project. Aspire and Azraelian are naturals over the chill production, but the three really present their A-game when bringing along guests like on the two fist-pumping cuts “Able Bodies,” a dark track with rapid rappers the Chicharones, and “LaLaLa,” a flute-heavy carnival track with Kaboom, or with a smooth exchange of introspective raps with Birdapres for “Gas Exhaust.” (Treetrunk)
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author: Brad at CD Baby
Underground hip hop is a tricky thing. The definition of the genre itself has been blurred for many years now, and it's a favorite topic of discussion (argument) for the hardcore heads everywhere. So, while you could certainly classify this Canadian group as "underground" for the time being, that label may not stick. They've got the goods to break out in a number of directions, but judging from the vibe of this record, they'll be content to just keep making the music and ushering in the good times. While their individual approaches to MCing are abstract at the get-go, the tone shifts throughout, finding the two lyricists feeding off each other over both dense grooves and sparsely patterned, echoing beats. They shine rhythmically, often focusing on condensed stutter-steps that dance all over the drums, but are equally adept at pulling back, breathing, and going at it from completely different angle. These guys are also good with the hooks, knowing when to push 'em while also being careful not to drive them into the ground. Throw in guest spots from the Chicharones and Birdapres, and you've got yourself another genuine article from way up north.
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