Dan le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip: Angles Reviewed
Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip have snuck up over the last year, creating a buzz about their first album which is all about breaking convention.
The cross rant of Dan opens the album by declaring "I ain't gonna take it no more ... soul less music, artless lyrics, goal less movements, heartless gimmicks" but just like the tide turning he builds up to a climax of "tonight we ain't seeking applause... tonight ... we're gonna have some good old fashion fun y'all".
With his mission statement set out Le Sac and Pip get to work creating their unique brand of spoken-word hip-hop.
They are certainly not the first to push this style but the boys are managing to make an impression beyond the underground scene.
While the variety and versatility of the album is impressive, it suffers from a lack of flow at times.
Le Sac and Pip have real talent for picking catchy hooks which you find yourself humming all day.
But unlike the irritating mainstream songs that usually apply this tactic to sappy unexciting pop numbers, the boys mix it in amongst layers of clever lyrics and smart beats.
Listeners may find their superior attitude a bit much after they've told you about pop acts not knowing the true meaning of beauty and hip hop is art.
On the other hand, it's hard to resist a smile when Dan seems to giggle saying "[beauty] is more than a nice pair of tits".
The quality story telling throughout the whole album is full of shades of greyKaty Bergson
Not all the tracks quite work, the last track 'Waiting for a beat to kick in' is a strange round up of life as a day dreamer, on a Christmas carol type journey of advice giving, from good old Joe public.
But when they do work they are witty, smart and a testament to just how good this album is.
'Thou shalt always kill' compiles Dan's biggest gripes into a list of modern commandments.
The flip flop from serious points like "thou shall give equal worth to tragedies that occur in non english speaking countries" to "thou shall not express you're shock... by saying is it" is effective and endearing.
Likewise 'Letters from god to man' is a clever concept used to explore humanity and the state of the world today.
The quality story telling throughout the whole album is full of shades of grey sitting alongside the black and white statement they boldly make.
4/5 STARS
Label: Sunday Best Recordings Ltd.
Released: Out Now
