Album Review: Paten Locke – Super Ramen Rocketship (2009)

Album Review: Paten Locke – Super Ramen Rocketship (2009)
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Potholes

Buy Now! Paten Locke – Super Ramen Rocketship

As a part of the talented Jacksonville, Fla. based unit Asamov (now known as the Alias Brothers), Paten Locke (then known as Therapy) helped shaped what is now considered by many a mild classic with the release of their debut LP And Now in 2005. Splintering off into side projects like The Smile Rays (with husband-wife team producer Batsauce and vocalist Daisey), Paten Locke has glided effortlessly into his impressive solo venture Super Ramen Rocket Ship. The multitalented producer, MC and DJ helmed the entire project sonically, allowing his Smile Rays collaborator Batsauce to handle the recording and engineering duties.

The LP begins with the bombastic “Soup For One”. Fitted with forceful horn samples and crashing drums, Paten Locke ably handles this excellent introductory track. The energetic track “Breakthru” follows and adds to the impressive initial onslaught by quickening the pace. Locke’s rhymes are supremely confident and he keeps the theme loosely focused on hopeful aspirations. “Good Muse” shifts the mood to a muted note comparably, but the track’s intentions are well noted and Locke is in sharp form. “Ash On Em” is typical battle rapper fodder that borders on average at best. The track is the actual highlight for this number, completely outshining the MC. “Auto Reverse” is an excellent ode to the cassette tape era of Hip Hop music. Locke’s track and rhymes steadily balanced with equal parts bravado and a reverence for Locke’s musical predecessors.

Towards the LP’s tail end, the tracks begin to build even more steam – most especially with the excellent track “Wadaap”. Locke’s track is pure wizardry and his rhymes are equally intoxicating. The hook is fun and infectious – perhaps the LP’s strongest track. Closing the LP out are the tracks “Off The Grid” and “After You”. The first of the last final tracks displays a bit of Locke’s humility and dedication to his craft along with his knack for hooks. The closing track serves as a dedication to his family and is such a departure from any of the songs that precede it. Nearly sounding out of place with all of the jazzy boom-bap before it, the song serves as a fitting ending salvo to one of year’s better offerings. Paten Locke manages to inject much needed humor and fun into his verses and his tracks are just as bouncy and vibrant as his many rhyme schemes. Super Ramen Rocket Ship is clearly a unique vehicle worth the bumpy ride.