Search - New Flesh for Old :: Equilibrium

Big Dada on the rise

A. Bennett | Washington, DC United States | 06/20/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"America take note: while so much of the Hollywood hip hop chases its own tail and New York stares itself in the mirror for inspiration there are dangerously intelligent forces approaching the flow from a new perspective just waiting to invade. After burning labelmate Roots Manuva's album into my mind I reached blindly for New Flesh. And I'm deeply satisfied. Their sound is unusual (three voices: gravel, focused robot, focused power) and at times they go into musical spaces which aren't normally associated with hip hop, with mixed results. On the whole, the lyrics are focused and strong, and the flow moves in grippingly unpredictable patterns. Ninja Tune/Big Dada is quickly becoming one of the world's best hip hop labels. This is a very worthwhile buy if you are interested in hearing hip hop from a new direction. Every artist in the Ninja Tune family is worth checking."

A solid album in need of a little polish

johnny-the-boy | Kent, OH United States | 11/06/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"What happened to hip-hop? So much of the tradition comes from the toaster/dub elements of reggae you would think that there would have been a continual Jamaican presence in the game. But after the seminal work of Kool Herc- nothing. It became a NY-LA closed circuit. Well until now. There is an English ascendance of MC's who embrace the reggae roots and we have Big Dada to thank for it. Roots Manuva (check "Dub Styles") and New Flesh for Old. I guess you could mention that New Flesh is three members but with one doing mostly production and the other MC (Juice Aleem) only on 3 of 15 tracks, the album falls squarely in one man's hands: Toastie Tailor. And man, he's electric. The other review talks about the different voices, right? Well they are mostly Toastie. Listen to "18600 Miles" and listen as he drops from smoked out, to baritone, to something else completely! His work is a true lyrical experience and (as his name suggest) has a strong foundation in the Jamaican influence. Most American Headz will enjoy to hear the beats on this album: they've a heavy euro-dance/techno influence (without a lot of US funk stylings). A good change of pace. It is nice to hear a product that doesn't parrot US posturing and instead embraces its own unique flavor. I guess that is the biggest problem, the album gets off to a wonderful start but soon finds people in front of the mic who's flows just aren't up to par. There is also some short throw away tracks that probably could have been left out all together. I'm really torn between 4 and 5 stars. I guess if the later tracks would have had less feature MC's, more Juice Aleem (who, although absent on many tracks, is gifted), and a tighter focus, I would have given it 5 stars. All and all a good start. And if you dig this, I suggest Techno Animal/Ice. They are some heavy-beat projects that Toastie Tailor has appeared on. Highly recommended. Also there is a free track of New Flesh with Gift of Gab (of Blackalicious) floating around online. Good stuff."