Downsyde - All City (Album)
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» Downsyde - Huon Quays, Tas - March 12, 2005
Some of the promotional material around Downsyde’s latest release All City proclaims “The kings are back”. I’m not sure exactly who the “kings” of Australian Hip-Hop are; it’s open to debate, but there is not doubt that these guys are royalty at the very least.
It’s hard to believe but Downsyde have been going since 1996. Originally a duo of MCs Optamus and Dyna-mikes (who used to perform with their beats played through the PA from a Walkman), the group are now a seasoned performing six-piece band.
All City is probably a tad less commercial and a tad edgier than the Hilltop Hoods’ (some more Aussie Hip-Hop royalty) massive album The Hard Road. However themes shared between the two releases are those often explored in this genre, that is: the hardness and unfairness of life (Every City, Watucamehere 4, Hot Town), ambition (Fortune & Fame, Somehow, Unstoppable), and just having a great time (Life Speed, Calm Before the Storm).
All City sounds like a band record, not just a collection of rapping MC’s. This shows Downsyde’s growth in both performance and writing. The production is very solid, with bass sounding thick and fat and the vocals crisp and discernible. Standout tracks would have to be Hot Town, Some How (this track gives me goose bumps) and Calm Before the Storm (possibly the most rockin' track on the album).
As for a prediction on the chart success of All City, I’d say that commercial radio in this country will probably chicken out on playing it but Triple J and the non-mainstream radio stations will lap it up and Downsyde fans will buy it in droves.
All City is a top quality album from seasoned writers and musicians. It will play a significant role in cementing Aussie Hip-Hop’s rise from its days as a curiosity to a commercial force in Australian music.
All City is available now through Illusive Sounds.
