Search - Sonic Sum :: Sanity Annex

Beautiful, gritty postmodern hip-hop

04/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The other reviews for this album say what needs to be said; I just want to throw in my two cents about one of the most slept-on hip-hop albums out there.The sound of this album is hard to define--melodic, but with dissonant elements; acoustic and jazzy, but reflecting electronica; dark, but very beautiful. It's rare these days to find an album where each track is an actual SONG, no corny skits, no random loops so the dj can clean out his hard drive. The arrangements are pretty traditional and show a knowledge of rock, jazz & blues, but the textures reflect the digital underground hip-hop associated with El-P (formerly of Company Flow). It's an amazing blend of sounds, very repeat-worthy and very memorable. Rob Smith is a deep, soulful, and literate MC. At first his voice seemed a little strained to me but I was feeling him before my first listen was over. The lyrics are a lot like Beat poetry, lots of strange imagery, very disjointed. And, like the best Beat stuff, it makes you feel things. I can't explain it any better than that.Sonic Sum have already broken up, I hear, but their second LP is due out some time in 02. Can't wait."

Floatably heavy

Leo! | NY | 07/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"where to begin...this is a definite modern hip hop gem. the thick language poured into the lyrics paint canvases into abstract street-sculptures. i think most people who have listened to this have set the highlight on the lyrics but the incredibly dance-able lo-fi beats are par-less, with the natural trance often intoned by The Roots but focused more on occupying a moody and hypnotic body of sound. incredibly thankful to own this. this is a good album to pump into headphones while staring out your window, observing an early-morning transform into a busy day, and considering your own unique placement in this life and mind. the pacing of the tracks is great. i'd mention highlights but the album is excellent as a stand-alone track 1-12 venture. one of the easiest 5 stars i've ever considered as such."

Wonderful, just plain wonderful

djpuppyt | Funkytown, TX | 06/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I hate giving five stars, it generally means that the artist has made a perfect album and that's it-no where to expand but this is awfully close to perfect and I can't choose 4.5 stars. I just love the abstract quality of the lyrics and the fat, danceable grooves this group lays down. I listen to a lot of hip hop and this album ranks in my top five favorite hip hop albums and the top ten of my favorite all time albums."