Spawn Zero - New Album Review

‘Whatever makes you happy’ – These words echo as soft melodies play with the feel of a Lewis Carroll fantasy novel. As the first wave of audio hits our ears in the intro, we get a sense of what to expect in this project: A person who finds purpose by helping others or making them smile. While perhaps ignoring the void of happiness within themselves. ‘I’m not happy, but I’m not the priority’. Is it purely kindness that creates this aim for outwards reach? or lack of hope - that you can’t have the same impact on your own life? Perhaps if not for ourselves, outwards rants and anger could help a listener or viewer feeling similar. Afterall, isn’t that the point of making art?

While many Scotland based emcees have found themselves following UK’s recent grime insurgence and tailgate the southern movement. There is a selection of homegrown artists still creating a unique outlet of audible talent up here. Spawn fits that latter for sure. While Scottish hip-hop artists such as Gasp, G-Mo, Ransom FA, The Honey Farm and Empress really moved the scene forward in 2019, expect Spawn Zero to lead from the front in 2020. With this short album review, I’ll dive into his new album dropping February 1^st, 2020 on digital formats.

Music can be a diary, a log of achievements and inner reflection. From the start we hear a vague honesty on the record. Inner battles and self-aware contradictions. Most writers in this genre will question themselves on having the balance between a rapper’s ego and being humble as a person. This is no exception, if anything Spawn discusses this openly with self-awareness. If not in attitude as much as lyrics. As indicated on the track-list, these are audio ‘Mood Swings’ consistent in the genre.

Spawn often flows as quickly as his apparent intake of alcohol; the boasting and confrontation of addiction is prevalent throughout many tracks. ‘The Lights’ he seeks could be quick overindulgent flashes on a night out, rather than an ongoing steady glow of sobriety. But while this is celebrated, it’s clear from the lyrics that it’s becoming normality and not something he is proud of anymore.

The album in terms of recording and mixing is consistent and clear. Beat choice is progressive to the genre with a signature sound throughout. The instrumental choice doesn’t look back to 90’s hip-hop or push towards English grime, something that’s oversaturated by many writers in Scotland. This leans towards a trippy, trappy hip-hop sound more seen in the US charts and underground. Spawn’s ability to flow in various tones and emotion is clear. Whatever the tracks BMP he tends to rap at speed, however arguably his best material comes when he slows down and puts real emotion into speaking to the listener in these short breaks – often mid-song.

I won’t spoil the album any further, however I think the above will give you an idea of what to expect from the project. Although some of the subjects repeat (such as speaking on intake of substances), that is however a repeating aspect in a lot of our lives. I can’t say it’s a negative point to bring it up more than once - more so a realisation that our lives have this addictive pattern on repeat also. There are also some great vocal features from Jazz Williams and Barz Fury. With that said, the features don’t take away from the personal solo album feel at all.

Favourite tracks:

·         ‘Doom Petrol’. A short, deep and personal song written as a letter to his father.

·         ‘S U F F E R’. An incredible strong chorus with critical verses almost dissing himself on chosen lifestyle and pathways. A clash of ego and doubt.

In conclusion Swan Zero and Jazz Williams create a strong piece of work that updates Scottish hip-hop into 2020. Though the fast past will be easier to the ear on people familiar with our accent, the content isn’t limited to Scottish culture or local perspectives. Jump in and listen on the 1^st Feb. Released on all good digital outlets. 

Review by Drew Devine aka Werd.