Hermitude - Threads

Mon 20th Oct, 2008 in Music Reviews

Blue Mountains duo Hermitude have come along way since releasing their Imaginary Friends EP in 2002. For a start they’ve moved down the hill to base themselves in Sydney, as well as recording two outstanding albums and last year’s Rare Sightings EP. Their take on instrumental hip hop has earned them support slots alongside the likes of Rjd2, DJ Krush and Abstract Rude, but this new offering sees the boys make more use of vocalists than on previous records – and I for one am all for it.

Threads is a varied affair. It kicks off with the atmospheric and moody Bloodshot, a track that’s not miles away from something that Ninja Tune might release. As always, the beauty lies in the complexity, with samples, scratching and beats carefully layered underneath Dubs’ keys. 44 Gallons flirts with dubstep, while New People is a straight-up sun-drenched reggae stormer, featuring the vocals of dancehall legend Luciano. The Jamaican’s vocals are perfectly underpinned by Dubs’ light-hearted organ in a track sure to bring a smile to your face.

Exhale features Koolism frontman Hau, who has now officially dropped a verse for every hip-hop producer in Australia. This may well be his best work yet, with his typical fast and intricate rapping, over a head-nodding beat with a catchy as hell hook. I’ve never been a huge fan of Koolism, but every time Hau does a guest verse for someone it’s pure heat, and this track stands out as one of the best on an outstanding album. Frayed changes the pace right up and features the vocals of soul singer Steve Clisby, as well as some slide guitar. This is some gorgeously understated nu-soul, and it demonstrates just how versatile this talented duo is. Vector takes us back into familiar Hermitude territory – solid instrumental hip-hop. More surprising is Your Call, featuring the vocals of Elena Stone and Urthboy. What isn’t surprising is that it’s pure fire.

Threads is one of those rare albums with no tracks that you want to skip past. Coming hot on the heels of Horrorshow’s The Grey Space and the new Herd album, this album is yet another example of Elefant Traks coming through with the goods. Threads is almost certain to feature in top ten albums of 2008 lists. – œNuff said. Go buy it.

Check out the tracklisting…

1. Bloodshot
2. Slychain
3. 44 Gallons
4. New People (Featuring Luciano)
5. The River
6. Cartridge Kings
7. Exhale (Featuring Hau)
8. Frayed (Featuring Steve Clisby)
9. Vector
10. Your Call (Featuring Urthboy + Elana Stone)
11. Stepping Stones