Review: "But He is Strong" EP by Rep and Tramel
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Rep and Tramel spits furious verses on the powerful “But He Is Strong” EP. With a keen sense of determination and defiance, the EP’s six tracks verge into a singular whole. Akin to a grand journey, the constant shifts of grooves, tempos, and textures lend the whole of the collection a spirit of constant reinvention. Stylistically heavily versed in hip-hop, they draw from elements of EDM, pop, trance, jazz, and a whole multitude. This helps to keep the flows fresh for they can turn on a dime. Rep and Tramel recall at times the nimble delivery of Q-Tip, right down to the unique way the grooves are assembled and disassembled with the utmost of ease.
The main reference within the collection borrows heavily from A Tribe Called Quest’s versatile output. Akin to their work, Rep and Tramel make sure to keep the listener guessing. Mixing humor with poignant insight, the lyricism becomes an unexpected joy, with verses carefully balanced for maximum impact.
Beyond this, Rep and Tramel incorporate bits and pieces from Kendrick Lamar’s assured take, proving to be deft storytellers as entire lives come into the fray. Production stuns thanks to the incredible work of True Justice and MNPLY, both of whom sculpt impeccable kaleidoscopic arrangements that refuse to stand still.
Samples rest at the very heart of the incredible opener “Mighty Men” where the mood is set, as everything swirls about. A weird woozy disposition radiates throughout the whole of the surreal “Fight Clubs XOXO”, where the skeletal snares add to the potency of the track. A swagger informs the entirety of “Watching Tsunamis” which serves as the very heart and soul of the entire collection.
Incredible energy defines the aptly named “Motivated” as the sheer physicality of the work overwhelms. Creaky, eerie samples and synthesizers weave themselves together in a fantastic portrait on the alluring “Hulk”. Tactile effects work wonders on the collection finale of “I’m A Monster” which neatly ties all that came before it together.
“But He Is Strong” shows off the impressive duality of Rep and Tramel in crafting a sound that both pays homage to hip-hop’s history while pointing to its future.