Album Review: Solillaquists of Sound – No More Heroes (2009)

Album Review: Solillaquists Of Sound – No More Heroes (2009)
Rating: 4 out of 5 Potholes

Orlando, Florida-based quartet Solillaquists of Sound has constructed a sophomore LP that employs styles that aren’t easily definable. While Hip Hop remains at the group’s core, many blends of musical textures intersect with their base sound. The production from talented producer DiViNCi is largely electronic and seemingly devoid of any sampling. The main MC of the group, Swamburger, is in possession of a busy (and perhaps unconventional) flow. Rounding out the group is vocalist, Alexandrah. Their new LP, No More Heroes, is an enjoyable and diverse piece of work that gets better with each listen.

The album gets off to a great start with “Marvel”, a kinetic romp that displays everything great about the group. Swamburger’s verse is strong and Alexandrah’s vocals are nothing short of beautiful; the production is equally as stellar. Next is “Harriet Tubman Part 2”, and again the production from DiViNCi soars again. Strong vocals from Alexandrah begin the comparably understated track and gels when Swamburger adds his verse. “New Sheriff In Town” is an early highlight. The rock-influenced track is a good compliment to Swamburger’s rhymes – and he is in near perfect form with his bold performance; The female vocalists’ contributions are as excellent as the preceding tracks. “Gotham City Chase Scene”, with its sinister and urgent pacing, soars as an early highlight. Again, Swamburger’s rhymes fit exactly with the production – offering just enough contrast between he and the busy backing track. The vocalists, again, enhance the track and there is some fantastic turntablism present toward the end of the song.

“Look”, another early highlight, offers another great melding of all the group’s strengths. From the production, to the singing and the rhymes, it becomes clear that Solillaquists of Sound have something special here. However, while the group strives to be against formulaic conforms, towards the middle of the LP the songs tend have a sameness to them – save for “The Curse”. With nothing but vocals from Alexandrah and sparse production, this beautiful piece of work is a standout. As the LP nears its end, the last two tracks perfectly sum up the aim of the group. “Bulletproof” is another showcase of production wizardry and outstanding vocal performances from all involved; Swamburger’s poignant verses are easily absorbed and resonate long after the song is done. It may very well be the LP’s best work. The closing title track is a spoken word piece from Tonya Combs and its message seems to embody what the group’s aims are musically. Solillaquists of Sound have made one of the year’s best LPs and there should be little surprise if this album ends up on many of the year-end lists for the best Hip Hop albums of 2009.