Dalek: Abandoned Language

dalekDälek create dense sound compositions, put a slow-paced beat over it and sit laid-back rhymes over the fuzz. Abandoned Language is ambitious, the backing sound well-thought through and the lyrics thoughtful and intentional. Dälek's flow is more similar, unfortunately, to Anti-con rappers and white "intellectual" backpack rappers than to Eric B or Public Enemy who are always listed as major influences. There is a lack of posturing in his rapping, something very honest, however it is that bit of threatening posturing, taking an extreme stance and running with it, which makes really amazing hip-hop what it is. What would Wu-Tang be without pretending to be from Shaolin, or Public Enemy without the relentless political anger or Biggie without talking about killing someone's ass in the mist. Dälek sounds a bit too lazy, and like other rappers who are described in the music media as "intelligent" - somehow seeming to imply that most rap is made by stupid people which is incredibly problematic in itself - his style is unintentionally angular, filled with bigger words, yet not going as far as presenting any new theoretical concepts or even a fresh take. The steps that the beats and music are taking are much greater, though the album sounds a little stoned in the wrong kind of way. :: Dalek: Abandoned Language - Ipecac Recordings/Cargo