Bias Time and Tide LP
"The old man said
this was the truth
I sat down to hear
he spoke of the sky, the sun,
about the earth and life's worth.
The old man said ..."
So begins the journey that is the new album from Bias. Yes I do mean a story on an instrumental album. (Instrumental, which means by the way in case you were wondering, that they weren't joking - the Lewis Parker track on the flip of "Deceive" really is exclusive to that release!)
The atmospheric intro sets the scene for an epic album, at times cinematic in it's grandness, at other times contemplative to the point of wanting to listen to it in a darkened room to get the full effect. It explores the full range of emotions - there's the typically melancholic sound instantly recognisable as the work of Bias, and then there's some of the beats that just make me smile as soon as they start, like the first single off the album "Sit back see the world", without forgetting "It's a must" with it's headnod funkyness, reminding us that whatever else goes on, 'making funky music is a must'.
The heavy double vinyl is as well presented as always with Canteen Records releases - the now-familiar artwork that sets these releases that bit more apart from what's currently going on in the world of hip hop, with details of the cover subtly recalling covers of previous 12s.
As a whole, and at the risk of repeating myself this is a 'whole' album not just a collection of tracks. It continues in the vein of clever sampling, piecing together loops, samples, vocal excerpts and a smattering of live instrumentation (including some nicely placed sitar!) to make complete entrancing tracks that draw you in and won't let you out until Bias decides the time is right. And when someone masters his art as well as Bias does, you can trust him on that.
at times cinematic in it's grandness, at other times contemplative to the point of wanting to listen to it in a darkened room to get the full effect
- Flat 4
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