Belfast rap trio Kneecap are regarded as pioneers of Irish-language hip-hop, bringing rural dialect into the modern era and incorporating it with urban youth culture. Though they rap in both Irish and English, they are firmly in support of Irish republicanism and freedom from British rule -- one of their most notorious songs is called "Get Your Brits Out." Their songs certainly contain political lyrics, but theyre also about recognizing the daily struggle of the Irish working-class. Fine Art finds Kneecap working with Toddla T, a well-regarded U.K. dance producer, DJ, and former BBC radio host. While previous Kneecap releases had interesting messages, the demo-quality production limited their impact. No such problem plagues Fine Art, an ambitious, richly produced effort which plays like an audio movie -- not a coincidence, considering that Kneecap made a fictionalized film about themselves, which won an audience award at Sundance. The album takes place at an imaginary West Belfast pub called the Rutz, which everyone in the community visits -- folksingers, punks, hooligans, clubbers, and some goofy opportunist visiting from England. Opener "3CAG" (also the name of Kneecaps first mixtape) features Lankums Radie Peat singing over dubstep beats and fiddles. The title track (one of a few cuts sampling news reports about the band) switches from U.K. drill rhythms to banging garage, while the raucous "I bhFiacha Linne" brilliantly flashes back to the early 90s rave era by sampling 808 States "Cubik." "Im Flush" is a drumnbass rager, while "Better Way to Live" is a more level-headed groove featuring guests Grian Chatten and Tom Coll of Fontaines D.C. The group sometimes write more introspective rhymes about mental health struggles, but other songs address confusion about the state of the world, disrespect for police, and societys inability to fix its problems. There are also a lot of songs about nightlife and copious drug use, with the bassline anthem "Parful" celebrating the religious power of rave. Fine Art is a major step up for Kneecap, an already unique group who have finally delivered on their early promise with a bold, relevant statement. ~ Paul Simpson

Rovi