Scott Burns – Still Time

Peep the new video from Sydney local Scott Burns. High quality package. Free mp3 download available at http://scottburnsday1.com/

Muph And Plutonic – Size Of The Soul

Melbourne stalwarts Muph and Plutonic have presented a formidable taste of their forthcoming album And Then Tommorow Came with the release of the first single Size Of The Soul. Plutonic has enlisted the brass talents of Ross Irwin, Carlo Barbaro and Paul Williamson to add an instrumental richness to the already soul-laden beat. Plutonic’s production is at its usual best, typified by the professional touches on drums and bass. The latter provides a warbling backbone to the soulful proceedings. Muph puts forth an earnest account of maintaining integrity musically and in life-as symbolised by the recurrent ’soul’ theme. Size Of The Soul is a beautiful, rich track from the acclaimed duo. The brass tinges complete a track that is very easy on the ear. Size Of The Soul is a fantastic single and a very positive signal of Muph and Plutonic’s upcoming LP.

Drapht – Brothers Grimm

Drapht has been a cornerstone of local Hip Hop for some time now, literally, plying his craft from the isolated corner of both Australia and its scene-Perth. The esteemed emcee reinforces the depth of his talent with the release of his new album Brothers Grimm, his third in five years. Drapht has long been a name synonymous with effortless flows, unique diction and substantial lyrics and the latest album exhibits all these hallmark traits.

One of several highlights on Brothers Grimm is the track Put On A Record. Simplex features on production, providing a jilted rhythm over which Drapht spits his usually innovative flow. The beat is characterised by a jumpy piano underpinned by the strangely effective drum pattern. Drapht covers a variety of music-related concepts including the implications of ‘putting on a record,’ as well as the various motives and effects of doing so. His lyrical playfulness is evident once more with punchlines like ‘when you sign the line and meet more dicks than a vagina’s life’-alluding to the consequences of signing a contract with a major label. Another effective technique is his use of assonance in the opening lines. These components make Put On A Record a highly catchy track for good reason. Another interesting track from Brothers Grimm is Drapht’s homage to sleep deprivation, Insomnia. He details the frustrating facets of the seemingly common disorder including: the many solutions tried, the feelings associated with ‘death by bed’ and the cyclic waiting game insomnia constitutes. Trials lays out a haunting beat featuring a delicate piano sample driven by a firm drum pattern to compliment the nocturnal themes. Trials has also added a few excellent touches such as: the opening sample of a man yelling in agony as well as the female vocal sample ’strands of light on the bedroom floor’-a beautifully apt piece of visual imagery. Another classy touch on Brothers Grimm is the peculiar track Where Yah From. Drapht excels once more, despite following a well-trodden path of geographical themes, simply asking where the listener is ‘representing.’ He also alludes to the connection between Perth and Melbourne-his hometown and the base of his record label. A cheeky reference is made to the controversial Australian tourism campaign featuring the tagline ‘where the bloody hell are ya?’ The other state capitals also rate a mention in regards to the local scene. The jazzy beat featuring instruments usually associated with bygone decades also engages the listener.

Brothers Grimm is an album that rightfully cements Drapht’s position as one of Australian Hip Hop’s luminaries. The 15-track effort ties together a wonderful variety of ideas and concepts that range from the frustration of insomnia to issues of identity to the tedium of the workplace. His usual array of catchy hooks is also present. Trials excels in the production stakes, complimenting Drapht’s every thematic whim and lyrical sensitivity. Drapht’s success could be partly attributed to his excellent choice of producers after enlisting the talent of Dazastah on his previous album. Brothers Grimm will no doubt be remembered as one of the year’s best.