[ MUSIC REVIEW ]
SOUL BENEFITS – THE FACTS EP
GALAPAGOOSE – A TIME FOR US
Coming out of Melbourne, the constantly astounding Galapagoose released his debut album Commitments, with “A Time For Us” being a delicate and crinkly highlight. One of the major hitters in the local Australian beat scene, Galapagoose comes of the back of a successful tour with LA-based Brainfeeder artist Daedelus, and this tune is emblematic of his beautiful sound. The thick and driving kick contrasting with light clicks weave around the atmospheric electronic textures. You can buy Commitments from Galapagoose’s soundcloud or from the official Two Bright Lakes store if vinyl is your thing, but do yourself a favour and get your head bobbing.
The second mixtape from Western Sydney based group Soul Benefits opens (after an intro imploring you to listen to The Facts) with “Get Down,” a bouncy, soul-sampling track that doesn’t sound too far removed from a J Dilla instrumental, but faster. It’s great in showcasing the three MCs abilities both on and behind the mic, allowing them to strut their stuff over the most energetic beat on the mixtape. In the Australian hip-hop scene, Soul Benefits are an oddity, not conforming to the sound of their famous contemporaries, opting for a distinctive late-1990s New York boom-bap sound. They’re enamoured with the sound, actually, where most cuts sound reminiscent of Slum Village, in particular “Tracks Run,” a definite highlight.
MC Storme, Young Supreme and The 26th Letter have created a mixtape with admirable and commendable effort. The production is smooth, if anything a little muddy at times, with some choice jazz and soul samples. The main criticism is that the overall feel is a little dated, but they’re just taking cues from their hip-hop heroes, but don’t we all?