‘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 1st,
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 1st
Feb. Released on all good digital outlets.
Review by Drew Devine aka Werd.
