|
 |
BlockheadDowntown Science Ninja Tune/Inertia Ninja Tune has long been renowned for its array of electronic and dance music artists that push against the stereotypes of the genre. One such artist is Tony Simon, aka Blockhead. Since his 2004 Ninja Tunes debut 'Music By Cavelight' this New Yorker has been much praised for his unique hip-hop productions; so much so that he has worked extensively with hip hop heavyweight Aesop Rock, as well as underground artists such as Murs, Slug Of Atmosphere and MacLethal. 'Downtown Science' is his second release out of Ninja Tunes, and it brings together another collection of original, deep and atmospheric instrumental hip-hop tracks. You cannot help but notice the numerous references to Blockhead's home town of Manhattan; from the powerfully haunting opener of Expiration Date (which was a memorial to 9/11) to the mysterious Long Walk Home, which fittingly closes the album with a nostalgic sample of "for I left my heart back in Manhattan." Other highlights of the album include the rolling atmosphere of Cherry Picker, the raw streetwise funk of Dough Nation and the fun and cheeky The Art Of Walking. This album is what an instrumental hip-hop release should be. More than just a collection of beats that MCs can rhyme to, it's a collection of soundscapes taking you through different sceneries, emotions and energies not usually associated with today's hip-hop. Out of left field it may seem, but Blockhead will give you a whole new perspective.  |
|
The latest issue available now!     |
All content copyright dB Magazine