Review: "Legends of the Underside" Album by Ultra_eko and DaRealMrLee
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A post-modern hip-hop radio play, UK based Ultra_eko and DaRealMrLee craft an otherworldly stage with their newly unveiled “Legends of the Underside” album and accompanying award winning visuals. So much gets incorporated into the mix that it becomes impossible to sort out. They have an intense amount of confidence for the sheer amount of narratives they bring into the fray, with Biblical references, addiction, lovely seaside beach towns, and surrealist elements brought in for good measure. Volume is a must, for this sound needs to wash over the listener to surrender to it.
The existential aspect of the lyricism by Ultra_eko and DaRealMrLee and some of the production choices recall the Weeknd’s uncanny ability for deep introspection. On the more mind-melting side of things, the sheer swath of different approaches alongside tying these constantly shifting genre-blends touches upon the utter complexity of Ol’ Dirty Bastard, as there’s a similar sense of playfulness in the monologues.
A kaleidoscopic approach makes Ultra_eko and DaRealMrLee the equivalent of the UK Outkast, as they take on many other approaches. Drill, honky-tonk, funk, and more get filtered within their strange vision. For all these reference points, they make sure they are all woven together.
“Intro” starts the album on a demented note, like a play gone awry. Setting the tone of the album “Ladies and Gentleman” has this sprawling, dreamy tenor with many different suites interacting, ambient and hip-hop together. Excellent pop vibes come through as “Pingu, Legends Edition” as the sheer number of references from musical tastes to the death of a family by a killer whale.
The violence adjacent to “Barroom Brawl Part 1” is unhinged with its approach. Relatively goofy comes the melted funk of “Camber Sands.” “Outsider Artist” has a darkness punctuated by the world’s bleakness. “Pingu’s Trip to the Beach” nicely brings the two main characters together for the first time. Spaciousness defines “Intermission.” A great guitar lick anchors “The Echoes, Clockwork,” as the song reflects the meaninglessness of modernity’s cycle.
Completely bleary with its exploration of its surroundings, “Bish Bosh, Do Ya” seems to move at a breakneck pace. Pure swagger with a nice tempo stride emerges in “Jehovah.” Layers blend with “Barroom Brawl Part 2” as the sparkling melodies give it warmth. “When I Were a Lad” has a gleefulness. Elegance pours from the sheer beauty of “Our Hero’s Journey.” Heavy synthesizer stabs give “Pingu the Creator” a beautiful, blissed-out approach. Tying it all together is the unique “Outro.”
The “Legends of the Underside” album and visual present a different take on the concept of self-discovery, with Ultra_eko and DaRealMrLee at the forefront of artistic innovation as we enter 2024.