There’s no denying Muph & Plutonic’s fledgling album ‘Hunger Pains’ is “heaps good” (lyric lifted from the song of the same name). Sophomore release ‘Silence The Sirens’ sets out to “put a match to the dilapidated state of rap” (from ‘Colour Of Fire’). Noticeably less melodic than its predecessor, this flava is an acquired taste. Perseverance will reward the listener however; you’ll be inducted into their diverse, intelligent rappinghood.

The lyrical gist of 2004’s ‘Hunger Pains’ was largely autobiographical and included advice for wannabe rappers, such as “if you’re capable of lines to captivate the humankind you’ll make it” (You’re Choice “Kings” feat. The Grouch). Spitting out poignant social commentary laced with witticism for almost exactly an hour, Muph’s golden tonsils gild Plutonic Lab’s revered production on 2006s ‘Silence The Sirens’. “I’m well over these rappers thinking they can touch The Muph” (‘Aint All Over’). Honing in on Muph’s lyrical wizardry guarantees recompense, “Just a dry root in a sumo suit, don’t feel much”. I challenge you to wrestle with that visual!

Ideal sounds to barbeque up some chops on a fine summer’s day, cultural cringe aint welcome here. Aussie institutions like the sickie are immortalised on ‘The Day Off’, the resulting mantra rivals Mass MC’s 2000 release ‘The BBQ Song (Bad Luck BBQ)’. A fine posse of featured artists further add to the diversity of Muph & Plutonic’s follow-up offering. The Herd’s Urthboy lends his pipes to the head nodding expose of ‘Going On Tour’. ‘Pessimists Like To Party Too!!’ is an infectious snapshot of pulling chicks en masse, ably shouted out with the help of Fatlipz & Pegz – “I came to find Muph and get off my face”.

Listen attentively to “The Muph” as his advice for life is worth taking on – “the only way is to keep kicking through the rough patch. In the end we can’t control everything and it’s best to accept that” (‘Nothing’s Alright, Everything’s OK’). His generosity as an autobiographical wordsmith is what’s earned him the tag “Australia’s most honest MC”. Recounting a near-drowning experience on ‘Voicebox’, his words are a refreshing change to hip hop’s often egomaniacal content.

Atmospheric soundscapes are interspersed with phat beats sure to mess with your equilibrium on the dancefloor. ‘Colour Of Fire’ is impossible to ignore; modern-day siren sounds accost your eardrums, the ominous electric-key melody arrests your senses, angry jibes torment and live drumming punctuates. A reference to Greek mythology is provided courtesy of Francesca on the stand-out title track. Seductive siren calls, seagull cries and the sounds of crashing waves complete this evocative sonic montage. The message? Temptation comes in many guises. While it’s possible to control your inner life, outside forces are there to shake you up.

Aussie hip hop may not be everybody’s thang, but there’s no reason why these cats shouldn’t share the hill with labelmates The Hoods. Muph’s urban poetry deserves your ears, “one man band” Plutonic Lab lays down honest, congruent arrangements to elevate the mastery of The Muph. “What you get is what you get is what you see. We tell it how it is” (‘What You See’). Word!