This record was released two years ago in Canada and I've been playing this steadily since then. This is the debut record from my boys Yas and Bobby, formerly of Project Wyze and if anybody doubted they could rise above that past project, they're surely eating their words now. They've joined forces with the former World DJ Champion, DJ Dopey and he's bolstered the outfit with a plethora of sounds.Blood Music is tightly-coiled, with melody and clever word play pouring out of every crevice. It's a hip-hop record that also has its roots in rock, so while the guys are spitting verses, they might be chased by a scorching guitar solo. Yas and Bobby trade verses and both are nimble word-smiths with neither outshining the other.
After the opening lament of how music has been abused in recent years, the record charges into "We Fall, We Fall", the powerhouse of the set. Aided by an absolutely steroid-ridden chorus, this is an awesome track! Dave Navarro and Steven Perkins are featured guests on the song, with Navarro laying down a tasty solo. The next track "In This Day & Age" laments some of the evils of the world, like the ramifications of middle-eastern ancestry in this war-frazzled country. Label-boss Bif Naked contributes vocals and Twiggy Ramirez plays guitar on the cut.
One of the most compelling cuts on the CD is "Somebody Turn the Lights Out", containing another excellent chorus. As well, the boys work in some nice nods to Pink Floyd and Nirvana in the song which has DJ Lethal guesting.
"Erica" gets a second make-over, being a blast-from-the-past of the Project Wyze days. Joss Stone does vocals on the cut and her seductive voice really adds to the song which sounds different than in the PW days. The anger-filled "Messiah" has an early Swollen Members feel with the sparse arrangement. "If These Walls Could Talk" is a powerful track that has verses that draw you in before hitting you with yet another memorable chorus.
The remainder of the record is as strong as the rest with all the cuts carefully crafted and well executed. Crossing musical boundaries to reach several different audiences is a risky move but one that should pay off in spades once open-minded music lovers hear the quality of the material. These songs are the real deal and the guys are absolutely earnest in their delivery. Blood Music is oxygen…breathe it in.
