Urthboy is back on your headphones… Actually, in the interest of the facts he never left. Since the release of his brilliant 2007 album The Signal, Urthy has been back recording, and touring with The Herd, and 2009 sees the release of his third solo album Spitshine.

For an artist to survive and have any sort of longevity, it is essential that they evolve. It’s very rare that an artist can keep pumping out record after record of the same song and be regarded as great. But it’s a fine line… Some artists evolve too quickly, releasing a well received album then completely changing up the style for their next release, all this achieves is alienating all the fans of your previous record. On Spitshine, Urthy has managed to bridge the gap between The Signal and this release with amazing skill. Songs such as lead single Hellsong, which is accompanied by yet another killer video courtesy of Broken Yellow, and Shruggin’ which features one of the prettiest hooks I have heard in a while courtesy of the always brilliant Jane Tyrell, could have both easily found a home on The Signal. While other tracks such as the banger Ready to go and title track Spitshine illustrate a slight step in a new direction for the Sydney based MC. The beats are crunchier and more electro based on these cuts, bringing with them a sound which is very reminisant of Hermitude’s last record, this isn’t surprising since Urthy has re-enlisted the help of El-Gusto on this record as he has done right from his first release. It is a trend musically which seems to be becoming more and more prevalent throughout the entire genre, both here and overseas. Just check out ITM’s When dance and rap collide article if you need further proof.

Jane Tyrell and El Gusto aren’t the only artists lending their talents to Urthy’s latest. He has also enlisted the help of Lior on the track Don’t Sideline Me, after only a few listens this quickly became one of my favourite cuts from the record. These two artists voices compliment each other so well, it’s as if they have been working together for years. Other collaborators on the album are Nat Dunn, Mantra, Mark Pearl, Solo and last but most definitely not least, Count Bounce handles his share of the production duties.

Don’t be scared off by the slight change up in sound, if you enjoyed Urthy’s last two releases you will also enjoy Spitshine. I personally feel one of Urthboys strongest selling points is that unmistakable laidback style of his. He’s not at the front of every beat yelling to get his point across, it’s nothing but well put together rhymes that play out as a song and not an assault on the ears. This will be getting a lot of spins over summer at my place.