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Jam Baxter - The Gruesome Features review
RnB/Hip Hop | Thursday 19th July 2012 | Osh
In interviews and press releases, Jam Baxter has made adamantly clear that this release, unlike 2010's "Rinse Out Friday, Spack Out Monday" is not an album. He prefers to use the word "compendium", though it's difficult to imagine anyone asking if you've "heard that new Jam Baxter compendium". This release sets itself apart by having a guest appearance on almost all of its 17 tracks, boasting verses from the other four members of his Contact Play crew, as well as Leafdog, Fliptrix, Ransom Badbonez, King Kaiow, Dabbla, Mowgli, as well as UK Hip Hop legends Verb T and Taskforce's Chester P.
As always, Jam Baxter brings his unique lyricism: a verbose metaphor-heavy approach which adapts well to many styles, from the third-person cautionary tale of "Who" to the urban scenery of solo track "Brains" to the onslaught of "Borrowed Time". His dense style can be difficult to get into, and first-time listeners may find it hard to follow exactly what he's on about, but after a few plays you'll realise you're listening to one of the best in the UK. While the guest appearances rarely reach Baxter's level, most of them match up well and are at the top of their game, particularly the less prolific Contact Play members Edward Scissortongue and Ronnie Bosh who both provide among the best performances of their careers, as do Mowgli and Leafdog in particular. Chester P, while probably the best rapper in Britain when on top of his game, is relatively underwhelming by his standards on his two appearances.
The production is excellent and varied throughout. The styles range from the avant-garde fury of "Gourmet Flesh", in which Ben 9mm gives Baxter and Badbonez an overdriven clatter of drums reminiscent of Dalek, to the hypnotic chill of "Altitude Sickness". The beats come courtesy of Illinformed, Pete Cannon, Ben 9mm, Karem Fraiche, Philly B, Ghostown, Konchis, and Shankles, and show that the next generation of UK producers is as strong as the rappers.
For the vinyl heads out there, a 12" limited edition EP is available, with 5 tracks, their instrumentals, and an acapella. Of course, featuring only 5 tracks from out of 17 generally excellent ones most are going to to wish for a song which didn't make the cut (why no "Squashed"?!), but is still a welcome addition to any record collection and comes with a download card for every track, every instrumental and another acapella. This "compendium" is another great addition to the High Focus Records output, displaying a number of artists at their best, and while lacking the structure of a true album still makes for a cohesive listen and is well worth your money.
Simon Pease
