(Big Dada/Inertia)

Oh, how disappointing to open a package from inthemix and have a mini sampler with a selection of tracks fall out instead of the CD I was expecting! When my sobs had subsided, I nevertheless threw this five-track wonder into the laptop to see what sounds would emerge.

But before I begin, I must hasten to add that it was with great sorrow I handed over $60 just last week for the privilege of attending the first of the spring festivals, attended by the great men themselves. It was an experience – I’ll give you that. The words that sprang to mind were “angry hip hop imperative” – well that’s what I texted to my friend after a few beers anyway – cause a round with these guys is a loud, proud and intelligent assault on the senses.

Their great showing, while extremely funky and fantastic at times, was somewhat hampered by the drunken lurching of frontman Rodney Smith, who seemed loathe to let go of the bottle of cognac he was hoiking around the stage for the duration of his performance. The crowning moment came when he unceremoniously fell asleep on the couch at Bar Open in the wee hours, to the delight of Perth’s fashionistas. Ah, the rock star’s life …

Anyway, I’m not here to gossip, I’m here to talk about the music. And there’s no doubt that Smith is among the most cerebral and progressive of UK rappers. In fact, the UK’s Independent newspaper described his work as “Unspooling intelligent ruminations on life in his haughty toasting style, over dry, pumping beats, techno dancehall twitches and spacious dub moves… a quantum leap”. Couldn’t have said it better myself!

As a taster, this sampler heralds great things to come. Smith’s dry and deadpan delivery comes booming over a wigged out mix of unnerving bass and dub that leaves jitters running through the spine. Awfully Deep, the album’s title track, is dragged through hedges and rearranged three times to stunning effect, all creeped out bass lines and nervy lyrics. The lordly, off kilter delivery of Seat Yourself, both remixed and in its original form, is decidedly terrifying!

This is hip hop at its best – forget the pimps n guns and booty shite. Political, unsettling and about to attack brain cells near you.