Review: "Alternate Realities" Album by Ultra_Eko
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South London based rap artist Ultra_Eko spits pure fire on the punk-infused hip-hop of his new album, "Alternate Realities”. Lyrics rest front and center of the entire project for he creates pure poetry. Ultra_Eko's storytelling abilities are unparalleled with the arrangement running the gamut from gritty post-punk experimentation to buoyant disco grooves with elements of jazz framing the whole thing. Such an incredible range results in a fully realized work, one that explores a life lived to the absolute fullest.
Attention to detail means that these tracks absolutely radiate with a tremendous amount of color. The kaleidoscopic rush feels perfect for Ultra_Eko brings a whole slew of different approaches into the fray, resulting in a fully-fleshed out world where the characters are drawn so richly.
Ultra_Eko's storytelling has an intimate quality to it, drawing from Kendrick Lamar’s output. Akin to Kendrick, there is a strong sense of playfulness that comes thought over the entire album. The unique arrangements feature a keen ear for melody for he lets the tracks evolve at their own pace. With the hybrid quality of the sound recalls a bit of King Krule’s darkened hues and ability to effortlessly blend genres together into something entirely unexpected.
Rapid fire “The Second Chapter” opens the album off on a high note featuring carefully balanced verses that seem to cascade. “Keep Busy” taps into Sleaford Mods’ style with a nimble sparse groove speeding along as the biting lyricism rushes through. House beats drop on the defiant scope of “A Bloody Struggle”. Drenched in nostalgia is the playful groove of “Girl From Round The Way”, one of the highlights of the album, with ornate vignettes that filter into the fray.
Old school funk underlies the bubbly inviting rhythms of “Cash Money Moolah”. On “Where you at?” Ultra_Eko explores darker terrain. By far the centerpiece of the album comes from the joyous trip of “My Old Man” where his vocal delivery has just the right level of warmth. Nicely bringing the whole of the album to a tremendous close is the reflective finale of “Ashes To Ashes”.
The “Alternate Realities” album displays Ultra_Eko’s immense talent in crafting a universe that is completely and distinctly his own.