I’m not really sure what to make of "Hoppers And Fledgelings" by ALH but on first impressions it’s certainly refreshingly different. ‘Born Way Down’ is a dub infused groove that takes you back to Screamadelica and introduces the interesting vocal style that becomes a theme throughout the album. Via some a cappella harmonies it links seamlessly into ‘Departure’ which features another bass fuelled groove in accompaniment to the sing-come-rap that name checks Colin McRae, Linford Christie, Road Runner and erm, MacGyver to name but a few.
‘Dealer Takes Five’ carries the slightly sweaty scent of the Stereo MCs, and blends strings, guitar, loops, harmonies and hushed vocals – just about everything you could name, and manages to get away with it. ‘Birds’ follows in the same vein, introducing some nice female vocals and a cool breakdown bit.
‘Namecheck’ is a standout track, a rolling head-nodder; one for cruising the streets late at night. The different segments of the song all work well together and Alh’s singing seems to work best on this one too.
|
Closer ‘Liver & Onions’ takes a more sinister route before blossoming into a chilled string-imbued instrumental meander. It’s another likeable track; something you could expect to discover as you walked with trepidation down the stairs to a seedy basement club you’d never visited before.
I’d sum up "Hoppers and Fledglings" like this: it’s all highly creative stuff, musically impressive and excellently produced. It’s just the singing that might be something of an acquired taste; think somewhere between Rob Birch and the John Barnes rap on 'World In Motion' and you wouldn’t be far off.
(www.dlcrecords.co.uk)
|
