Four Fists
6666
Doomtree (2018)
Four sixes, four fists, two rappers and some punchy production that’s equally space age and heavy hitting. It’s my own interpretation here, but the group name is more a reference to solidarity and kinship between rappers P.O.S and Astronautalis than it’s a statement of anger or frustration. The group is built on the fluid, and often laid-back raps of Astronautalis interacting with P.O.S’s forceful yet playful style. While many collaborations play off contrast, Four Fists fits in the Venn diagram between the two artists, complemented perfectly by production that alternates between dramatic and thoughtful beats (“Joe Strummr”) and more confrontational material like “Annihilation.” While this is something of a side project for two solo artists, it truly feels like a full-formed group. Astronautalis and P.O.S first came together for a 7” in 2013 and, with both living in Minneapolis, have a clear chemistry. They trade off verses through the album, hitting on a variety of topics with overlying themes of maturation, socio-political status, activism and a repeating homage to the late, great Joe Strummer. 6666 isn’t an album of reminiscing tracks, but one of contemplation and the ongoing search for answers. It’s about life’s challenges and getting through them. One … Read more
Author & Punisher
Beastland
Relapse (2018)
Tristan Shore, the man behind the Author & Punisher project, has been on a warpath since the release of his … Read more
I Against I
Small Waves
White Russian Records (2018)
Last year White Russian Records made me very happy by releasing Travoltas’ comeback album Until We Hit The Shore, which … Read more
Chain Whip
Chain Whip
Dirt Cult (2018)
There’s angry music that’s angry in tone, and there’s angry by trope. Chain Whip is just plum angry. When Josh … Read more
