There in Spirit

There in Spirit is Homeboy Sandmans second EP since the soul-baring full-length Dont Feed the Monster, which was produced by Quelle Chris. Continuing to stick with one producer per release, after previously making records with the likes of Edan and Aesop Rock, this one features the talents of Illingsworth. The Detroit beatmaker provides Sandman with granulated rhythms that crackle and dissolve, yet remain solid enough to support the emcees casual yet determined rhymes. Most of the lyrics focus on self-help themes, but theyre delivered with Sandmans usual down-to-earth demeanor, making them sound like a friend giving you an encouraging pep talk. "Voices (Alright)" is a mental checklist of tips for personal improvement and encouragement. On "Keep That Same Energy," he challenges people who are extremely active online to back up their words in person, over Illingsworths glitchy strings and wonky bass. Revisiting the more personal themes explored on Dont Feed the Monster, "The Only Constant" shares anecdotes about receiving emojis from distant relatives, but being unable to see them without a smart phone, and on "Feels So Good to Cry," Sandman matches Illingsworths syrupy beats and muffled soul samples with slowly paced lyrics about how refreshing it is to let oneself feel vulnerable sometimes. The EP as a whole isnt excessively sad or serious, however, and it ends with "Epiphany," Sandmans comical recollection of that moment when he realized that he is surrounded by people who "do not have swag." The chorus repeats this eureka moment, and Sandman emerges triumphant as he ignores the haters and stays determined to be true to himself. ~ Paul Simpson

クイーンズのドープなMCによるニュー・アルバムは同じメロー・ミュージックからのリリースでも知られるデトロイトのプロデューサー、イリングスワースが全曲を手掛けた一枚。サンドマンのスキルフルなラップを堪能できるようシンプルなループで構成されている。変則的なウワネタと歌声が重なり合って不可思議なムードを醸す"Voices(Alright)"、流麗なピアノ・サンプルを用いた"The Only Constant"が特に印象的だ。
bounce (C)Masso 187um