Faith SFX
Human beat boxing is something that will probably never break into the mainstream, but Faith SFX is definitely the one who could take it there. This is clear from his debut release, coming after support slots with Plan B and even an appearance on The Paul O’Grady Show. Faith SFX could be the artist to make beat boxing and gritty UK hip-hop closer to the mainstream. Even the biggest critics of dubstep or hip-hop couldn’t deny the talent on show on Man or Machine. Everything you hear on the album is produced orally from Faith SFX’s voice box (besides guest vocals), from the convincing percussion to the great synth sounds. The beats are well done, even with the limits of the human voice. That said, it’s produced brilliantly by Faith SFX to create some awesome tracks. ‘Hanging On’ is an early highlight, with some great rhymes and vocals from Emeli Sandé, Baby Blue and Maveric. It’s noteworthy that, even if everything here was electronically produced, Man or Machine would still hold its own as a solid hip-hop release. The verses and rhymes are venomous and well done, with stunning production that balances the grittiness of UK hip-hop with the polish needed to get radio play. The UK’s underground hip-hop scene gets a lot of bad press, but this album showcases some of its best talent. The choruses are big, which is where a more state-side influence shines through, giving more impact with the style of the rapped verses. Man or Machine is an album that could help promote the underground scene in the UK. Any ideas that it could run the risk of being a gimmick album can be completely dispelled by the venom and talent on all the tracks, including the skit ‘Cypher’ which is one of the best moments of the album. ‘Play Hard’ shows that Faith SFX is more than just beats and drums, with a genius brass line that matches anything you’d hear produced “live”. It also features verses from Wretch 32, who was named by BBC as a one to watch for their Sound of 2011. The album ends on an atmospheric level with ‘Revolution Songs’ which, whilst not the best song on Man or Machine, provides a fitting end to what could be one of the best UK hip-hop albums of the year. Female First - Alistair McGeorge
Tagged in Plan B