Roaring 20s＜限定盤/Colored Vinyl＞

When you come out the gate with that "new flavor" attitude and a parade of clever ideas, sounds, and lyrics, the sophomore jinx hangs above the head like the sword of Damocles, and that goes double for genres like hip-hop, up to and including the U.K. strain. The vibrant return of Rizzle Kicks doesn't even seem aware of second album expectations, effortlessly bouncing out colorful and memorable pop-rap moments that are Fresh Prince fun, Dizzee Rascal funny, Eminem flashy, and as catchy as a hit that's one-half Drake, one-half Macklemore. Still, as easy as it plays out, Roaring 20s is deceptively crafted and ambitious. The album unfolds like a true star where hits mingle with tracks that should have been and nothing gets labeled "filler." Add to that, the Brighton duo have sharpened their lyrical skills and evolved into something much more aware, offering cool commentary about the millennial lifestyle and reality television during the great "Lost Generation." The moody and full "Lunatic" raises the group to a Massive Attack level when it comes to atmosphere and groove, while "Put Your Two's Up" is party time perfection, coming on strong with horns, hooks, and a guest appearance from Fatboy Slim. The brilliant Jamie Cullum and Rizzle Kicks cut, "The Reason I Live," feels like a true collaboration rather than just some record company-directed collision, and when the lyrics snidely declare "Listen up yo, feelin' alive is a good way to kill time", it's the RK gift of being cool, cold, and positive all at once. Great things happen all over Roaring 20s, an album where the cool kids become the smart kids while losing none of their baller status. ~ David Jeffries

初作『Stereo Typical』でブレイクしたスウィンギン・ブライトンの2人組が順調に2作目をリリース。悪びれないサンプリング感覚を今回は生音も効かせながらアウトプットしてきた感じで、ジェイミー・カラム客演の"The Reason I Live"やロイ・パントン使いのロックステディー、前作に続くノーマン・クック十八番の"Put Your 2's Up"など、古典的な黒さ&楽しさと90年代の記憶がポップに交錯する現行UKならではのトラック群に水を得て、主役のジャイヴ・トークが跳ね回る。EMFの"Unbelievable"をベタ敷きした飛び道具"Skip To The Good Bit"も、ジャケのリア充な青春マナーを象徴するかのようなハマリっぷりが格好良い。〈英国っぽさ〉の意味を多様に拡充しながら、粋なユニークをさらに強くした快作!
bounce (C)出嶌孝次