The Thieves Banquet
Akala (2)
2013
Enjoyed the title track a lot, it was a really interesting idea, and I liked the concept of the album, Akala's vision, and the sound. It absolutely stands out, but even still, I didn't feel as though it hit me in the way I was expecting it to? I don't know how else to describe it except that I didn't think 'wow' afterwards, even though I'd been enjoying it throughout.
Good stuff. Started off okay didn't grip me until the third track. Usually don't like the talking type conscious hip-hop however this was a lot better then other stuff I've heard. The fourth track "Old soul" Is where I realised I was listening to something special, throughout the track he gives flowers to people who influences the hip-hop space, those influences can be heard in the beat (Which is fantastic). The next song has the guitar playing of early Franz Ferdinand which is another unique sound in a list that will increase across the record. In the middle we get the title track which is almost 7 minutes. I could see this track getting old on second listen but as far as the spectacle put forward its a great song. For a first listen it lives up to what a title track should be, a really interesting story of the 4 most evil people trying to convince the devil they are the most evil (I think). Reminded me a lot of Rage Against The Machine and System of A Down with its rock, punky and metal beats especially on the track "Pissed off". The track "Maangamizi" was another great track a history lesson for me. His flow on the next song reminded me of Dizzee Rascal alongside some great R&B vocals to make a great filler. All around a great album with a bit of everything. Feels like this album was made for me to like. Literally every artist it reminded me of are all my some favourite artists Like SOAD, Rage, Dizzee even Kendrick Lamar in places.
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