[TuneOTD] Limp Bizkit - LIGHTZ

Artist: Limp Bizkit

Genre: Alternative/Rap Metal

Location: Jacksonville, Florida, US

Label Type: Major

Record Label: Cash Money Records

Website: http://limpbizkit.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/limpbizkit

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/limpbizkit

The internet has proved once again how powerful it can be with the recent leakage of Limp Bizkit track ‘Lightz’. This premature exposure has prompted the US-based rap metal veterans to reveal that they had no intention for this to be their first video and single off the forthcoming album, ‘Stampede of the Disco Elephants’ set for release in 2013.

On the basis of this track, it is clear to see why the album has included the word ‘disco’ with this effort a far cry for the rock-infused classics which took the world by storm in the early 2000s. ‘Lightz’ has a more modern day pop feel to it, with an unquestionable influence from new label boss Lil Wayne. The hip-hop rapper now president of Cash Money Records signed up Fred Durst and the gang back in February, earlier this year. Like so many songs these days, auto-tuning plays a significant role on this track, and once again this inclusion has come in for widespread criticism from rock purists.

The track is far more skewed toward a pop-edged hip-hop power balled than a nu-metal classic you would normally associate with Limp Bizkit. There has always been a rap element to LB but the hip-hop influence is abundantly clear, and has resulted in a loss of that synonymous rock/metal energy and passion. The melody is aimed to instil feel good vibes, but in truth it isn't at all dynamic and simply lacks any real depth. A cry of ‘Lightz’ threatens to erupt into something special, but turns out to be just that – a threat. Nothing comes of this but a Wes Borland guitar solo offers a hint of hope with the only real attempt to reach out to the rock fanatics. Lyrically, it’s pretty poor with rhymes forced and syllables stretched, culminating in an unoriginal meaning and message. It seems as if they have decided to go down a similar route taken by Linkin Park following their similar success in the early naughties.

If this is a sign of things to come for the impending album, then it will prove to be nothing short of a disappointment. Although the track is unofficially titled as 'Lightz' it has also been labelled as 'Pain', 'City of Angels' and 'Beautiful'. For now you can check out the leaked video for what we're referring to as ‘Lightz’, below: 

Matthew Evans

[ArtistOTD] Lord Nelson

Artist: Lord Nelson

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rock

Location: Columbia, South Carolina, US

Label Type: Indie

Record Label: M & O Music

Website: http://www.lordnelsonfeatlies.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LordNNation

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NATIONOFTHELORD

Welcome to Lord Nelson Nation! Today’s artist, from Columbia, US is talented rapper and songwriter Lord Nelson. A lover of all genres, he has found himself revolving in the hip-hop and rock circles. Since 2006 he has taken over full-time vocal duties of American rap metal band, Stuck Mojo after being originally headhunted by friend and former frontman, Bonz, to help record a few guest vocals on the 'Southern Born Killers' album. Bonz was later axed by the band two years after their reformation in 2005 following a 5-year absence, which subsequently resulted in Lord Nelson taking the reins and taking over the frontman duties. This is a no mean feat with Stuck Mojo considered as being one of the pioneers of the rap metal genre which proved so popular in filling all our Tony Hawks Pro Skater playlists.

It was through touring with Stuck Mojo that Nelson found French band, Lies who were supporting them at the time. A friendship brewed from this, ultimately culminating in a hip-metal album titled ‘Fight: My struggle between heaven and hell’ released earlier this year in late-February on the independent rock metal label M & O Music. This is essentially a solo album of Lord Nelson but featuring Lies on each of the 14-tracks on the record.

Just like with Stuck Mojo, this explosive record exhibits a crushing blend of rock and hip-hop. There are some real heavy thrash riffs provided by the Frenchies, which are more than adequately back up by Nelson’s gutsy heartfelt vocals. It’s a return to the nu-metal era essentially but with a more modernised feel. On the hip-hop side of things it portrays positive nods toward Run DMC and Public enemy.

Whether it is with Stuck Mojo or his solo career featuring Lies,  it is evident that Lord Nelson has realised that his role as a hip-hop artist possesses an undeniable chemistry with the metal genre forcing the genre of nu-metal to be awoken from the relative wilderness with significant gusto. A sample of his work is shown below in the video for ‘Until I Die’ off the aforementioned solo album featuring Lies:

Matthew Evans

[AlbumOTD] Sonic Boom Six - SONIC BOOM SIX

Artist: Sonic Boom Six

Genre: Electronica/Punk/Rock/Hip-Hop
Location: Manchester, UK.
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Xtra Mile Recordings

Website: http://www.sonicboomsix.co.uk 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sonicboomsix

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sonicboomsix 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sonicboomsix

Sonic Boom Six’s eagerly awaited eponymous fourth studio album hits the shops tomorrow (Monday 15^th October), when it is released on their new label Xtra Mile Recordings. As ever with the Boom it features an eclectic mix full of passion and high-energy, but this particular record has a little something extra. Even whilst keeping very much in touch with the ethos and principles of SB6, it combines heavy beats to produce more fun, party tunes than any of the previous albums. Not one to be tied down to any specific scene or genre by the strings of the music culture, the Boom are one band who have come out the other end of a politically-infused ska-punk scene which has seen many others fall by the wayside. The self-titled album goes further than they have ever gone before, where instead of preaching to the converted they aim to appeal to the masses, challenging perceptions and attempting to change minds and viewpoints.

This is the Manchester-based quintet’s first studio album since the departure of co-writer Ben Childs in 2009 which saw the release of their last album ‘City of Thieves’. Child’s departure coincided with a marked increase in the use of electronica, synths and drum & bass with the band not limiting themselves to any parameters. Furthermore, it sparked a reshuffle with the introduction of Jimmy T. Boom allowing Barney Boom to prosper as co-vocalist with his raps complementing the squeaks of frontwoman Laila K perfectly in a new era for SB6. In line with keeping the essence of the band, brass continues to feature on the new record, specifically on ‘The High Cost of Living’, ‘S.O.S. (State of Shock)’, and prominently on ‘Karma is a Lady’. The beginning of the former also showcases a splash of dubstep highlighting a combination which portrays exactly what this album is about. It retains the previous ideals of the band whilst incorporating new, fresh sounds.  

Obvious highlights include the previously released ‘For the Kids of the Multiculture’ and ‘Virus’. The latter comprises the use of a vecoder over Laila’s vocals in an attempt to resemble that of a computer virus in keeping with the title of the song. Lyrically, it focuses more on looking at the brighter side of life in times of selfish politicians, poverty and the torrid state of the current economic climate. The political theme is one which runs right the way throughout the 10-track offering, and has done right throughout the career of Sonic Boom Six with this album tailored more toward current issues. They focus particularly on the failure of the government to notice and appreciate the man on the street, and in the case of the truly powerful ‘Gary’s Got a Gun’, questioning the need of sending out our troops to war. Further lyrical content concentrates on the multicultural British society, and ‘The High Cost of Living’ speaks for itself, putting in to perspective the true origins of the stuff we buy. ‘Karma is a Bitch’ is sure to be a fan favourite, putting an emphasis on how karma can bite you in the ass. However, the final track, ‘Karma is a Lady’ looks at Karma from the opposite angle, in that it can be a good thing if treated properly, and abided by correctly. ‘S.O.S. (State Of Shock)’ is another song which is bound to reach wider audiences, already receiving radio airplay, possibly due to the fact that it features Kerrang! Radio DJ Matt Stocks as an emergency radio broadcaster. Another to feature on the album is Jim Sorrow with his masterstroke inclusion on ‘Who Will Survive (and What Will be Left of Them?)'. However, possibly the best track on the album is ‘Keep On Believing’, a real party rock anthem integrating gang vocals, which are also made use of on ‘Flatline’.

Huge vocal hooks and crushing rock riffs still remain on the album but overall it will undoubtedly divide opinion among SB6 purists. Nevertheless, it will also increase exposure and see the Boom pick up many new fans, which they hope to do on their full UK tour next month starting on November 2^nd. Below you can catch a glimpse of the video for ‘Virus’, directed by the magnificent Jesse Davey. 

Matthew Evans

[AlbumOTD] Scroobius Pip - DISTRACTION PIECES

Artist: Scroobius Pip

Genre: A'cappella/Hip Hop
Location: Stanford-le-Hope, Essex. UK.
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Speech Development/Strange Famous 

Website: http://scroobiuspip.co.uk/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Scroobiuspipyo

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/scroobiuspip

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/scroobiuspip

Today is the day that the wonderful Scroobius Pip begins his assault on the UK album chart with the release of ‘Distraction Pieces’. Though he has been releasing albums with fellow accomplice dan le sac, this is his first solo album since debut release ‘No Commercial Breaks’ in 2006. Yes, this album misses le sac’s beats and his ability to make the tracks that little bit more catchy, but I guess that’s what the collaboration is there for. This individual album however, has a different agenda with no real concern for traditional song structure. Scroob offers spoken-word, social and political commentary as an alternative to straight-up rap in the hip-hop scene.

The 9-track offering is short and sharp but still manages to incorporate a host of highly regarded individuals within the music industry. Take the introduction single, ‘Introdiction’, culminating a splendid mix of diction and a crafty beat, with Blink-182’s legendary Travis Barker stamping his mark on the track with some expert drumming.

Next up comes the stand-out track ‘Let em Come’ featuring P.O.S and long-time influence Sage Francis. This tune is somewhat influenced by Pip’s love in the football (soccer) world, Millwall FC. Firstly, the title is the same as the one associated with the football club. Secondly, the track includes the line ‘No one likes us but we don’t care’, a claim also chanted from the terraces at the Den (the Lion’s Den), where Millwall FC ply their trade. Furthermore, comparisons between the two also come from the inclusion in both Sage and P.O.S’s verses of the term 'lions'. This is a coincidence as it also the nickname for Millwall FC, however, Pip has admitted that this was not planned, and in fact was simply a canny coincidence.

The lyrical genius offers something different to anything or anyone else in the music industry today. The incomparable Pip looks at sentences in alternative angles to anyone else around. Though with too many examples to cite, I will simply just use the title of track three to demonstrate this: ‘Domestic Silence’. This is a dark, progressively heavy tune centred around loneliness. This is subsequently followed by a great portrayal of drums and guitars on the track ‘Try Dying’, produced by Worgie and Yila, who also have a major influence on the production of the album as a whole.

Another name-drop to include is Radio 1’s Zane Lowe, who has done a magnificent job of producing the track ‘Death Of The Journalist’. This song is a chronological portrayal of the demise of journalism beginning with a description of the 1930’s outlook in which they reported exactly how it is, not exaggerating news that isn’t there, just for the sake of it. This continues right the way through to his frank and honest rant of the present day development of internet bloggers. Yes, that includes the likes of us.

One other person to makes an appearance on the album is close friend, B Dolan. He performs on the track ‘Soulja Boy (kill em)’ with his fast rapping, complementing Pip’s wonderful exhibition of political poetry, and the title a piss-take of US rapper Soulja Boy. This is followed by ‘The Struggle’ which certainly a grower, and is rumoured to be the next track for which a video will be shot.

But the man with two watches knows the time to drop the heartfelt tracks, as ‘Broken Promise’ and the cover of Kate Bush’s ‘Feel It’ finish off the album with Natasha Fox providing her own soulful delivery over that of Pip’s recital on the latter of the two. Whilst the former is based around the wonderfully reflective line ‘Is a lie really a lie, if you mean it at the time?’.

Distraction Pieces is produced by Renholder (AKA Danny Lohner) of Nine Inch Nails and is released today in the UK via Pip's very own Speech Development records, and in the US on Sage Francis’ Strange Famous records. To serve purely as a teaser, here are the characteristically innovative videos for 'Introdiciton' and ‘Let ‘Em Come’:

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Sonic Boom Six - WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU MAKE YOU STRONGER

Artist: Sonic Boom Six

Genre: Punk/Hip-Hop/Ska/Reggae

Location: Manchester, England, UK

Label Type: Indie

Record Label: Rebel Alliance
Website: http://www.sonicboomsix.co.uk 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sonicboomsix

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sonicboomsix 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sonicboomsix

It is so great to know that Sonic Boom Six are back, and better than ever. ‘What Doesn’t Kill You Make You Stronger’ is the B-side to the latest single ‘New Style Rocka’, but the two are completely different illustrating the diversity of SB6.

This track offers dusty dub wobbles and drum and bass beats leaving you with an urge to get your skank on! Barney Boom steals the show on this one with his gutsy raps and rhymes, complimenting the soulful squeaks of Laila K. The inclusion of so much drum and bass is something new to the band, adding another string to the already impressive bow. This new style suits Barney down to a tee, and perhaps this is the first sample of the message portrayed by A-side single, ‘New Style Rocka’.

The video is set in an underpass highlighting the new underground nature of Sonic Boom Six’s sound as they move with the times integrating current influences into their new material. If there is such a genre as punk-step, then this is it ladies and germs.

Originally the band wanted to shoot the video for the next single, ‘Sunny Side of The Street’ but the weather was unforgiving and so they have treated the world with a promotional video for ‘What Doesn't Kill You Make You Stronger’. Check it out!

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Sonic Boom Six - NEW STYLE ROCKA (ft.Tonn Piper)

Artist: Sonic Boom Six

Genre: Punk/Hip-Hop/Ska/Reggae

Location: Manchester, England, UK

Label Type: Indie

Record Label: Rebel Alliance
Website: http://www.sonicboomsix.co.uk 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sonicboomsix

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sonicboomsix 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sonicboomsix

'New Style Rocka' is the latest material from UK band Sonic Boom Six. This is the first piece that the band has written since their 2009 record City of Thieves.

The introduction to the song is provided by an infectious riff from the guest vocals of Tonn Piper. On this track, he brings a new and interesting dimension to the usual sound of SB6. The Manchester outfit have moved more towards their hip-hop roots, and away slightly from the ska and reggae style they are also accustomed to. However, front woman Laila Khan continues to deliver her characteristic upbeat vocal squeaks. The chorus has a cheesy and pop-like feel to it, while the verses allow Barney Boom the freedom to express his influence on the hit. Though the chorus might not be welcome to SB6 purists, it’s one that is sure to get the crowd singing along in live performances. Piper brings a jungle type feel to the record, a style that you would expect to hear from an MC at a drum and bass/dubstep rave. This particular collaboration seems to have to worked on this track, and could be something that the Boom could look at doing again in the future.

In addition to this tune, Sunny Side of The Street is one which is strongly rumoured to be released in the near future as a single for their upcoming album.

New Style Rocka is to be released on March 28^th, and you can check out the brand new video below!

Matthew Evans