Analog is a fitting name for a producer. An analog clock, in comparison to a digital one, allows you to see the inner workings to understand how everything comes together to produce a result i.e. tell the time. Against the Grain is a project by Analog that gives the listeners an inside peak into the inner thoughts of what I would call a “beat making mastermind”. Each aspect of every beat has been carefully selected and added to produce the final result, the Against the Grain EP. With a project name like that it would be foolish to expect conformity, it is everything but...
The EP’s opener starts with a haunting sample of the track name, chanted periodically. There’s an eerie feeling about this track, almost like the opening score to a thriller where the protagonist is in the midst of overcoming an obstacle. The strings give it a hopeful and triumphant vibe. It’s obvious at this point that Analog is heavily influenced by the Hip Hop golden era.
The second track I Don’t Mind sounds like the distant relative of the infamous Shook Ones by Mobb Deep. Boom bap lovers will appreciate this track, which features local Perth talent DJ Tye & Hyclass. Analog has done well to find artists that match the vibe of the track, a skill that’s seemingly lost among new producers.
No one can doubt that Analog is incredibly talented when it comes to producing instrumentals. That said, one can argue that sticking to an old school sound will limit the music to only a niche audience. However to counter that argument, it’s obvious that Analog is going against the grain by doing the opposite of what many newer producers are doing. An admirable trait in today’s climate, staying true to yourself.
Old school vibes created in the current climate of Hip Hop tend to have predictable flows and often lack versatility. Modern Warfare is an example of an instrumental that shows a lot of promise. Whilst the story line of a murderous protagonist collecting his enemies’ body parts makes for interesting listening, the flow is predictable, tonality monotonous and the artist’s delivery is bland leaving the average listener no alternative but to press fast forward within the first 15 seconds of the track. All is not lost however, the track may not get any new listeners but underground Hip Hip heads will appreciate the efforts of both beat maker and artist.
The EP’s opener starts with a haunting sample of the track name, chanted periodically. There’s an eerie feeling about this track, almost like the opening score to a thriller where the protagonist is in the midst of overcoming an obstacle. The strings give it a hopeful and triumphant vibe. It’s obvious at this point that Analog is heavily influenced by the Hip Hop golden era.
The second track I Don’t Mind sounds like the distant relative of the infamous Shook Ones by Mobb Deep. Boom bap lovers will appreciate this track, which features local Perth talent DJ Tye & Hyclass. Analog has done well to find artists that match the vibe of the track, a skill that’s seemingly lost among new producers.
No one can doubt that Analog is incredibly talented when it comes to producing instrumentals. That said, one can argue that sticking to an old school sound will limit the music to only a niche audience. However to counter that argument, it’s obvious that Analog is going against the grain by doing the opposite of what many newer producers are doing. An admirable trait in today’s climate, staying true to yourself.
Old school vibes created in the current climate of Hip Hop tend to have predictable flows and often lack versatility. Modern Warfare is an example of an instrumental that shows a lot of promise. Whilst the story line of a murderous protagonist collecting his enemies’ body parts makes for interesting listening, the flow is predictable, tonality monotonous and the artist’s delivery is bland leaving the average listener no alternative but to press fast forward within the first 15 seconds of the track. All is not lost however, the track may not get any new listeners but underground Hip Hip heads will appreciate the efforts of both beat maker and artist.
Analog may want to expand his reach by working with artists that will complement each beat. He has a knack for using samples in his beats that sets the tone for the track. Honesty Hour 2 is a great example of perfect symbiosis where the beat and the artist work in unison. Strictly DT raps with much conviction and versatility adding much needed flavour to the project. It would be great to see more collaborative efforts between these two. Analog and DT are a match made in boom bap heaven.
It’s almost like Analog was creating this project as I review it. I can picture him reading the feedback to Modern Warfare and thinking “you want symbiosis? Here’s your fucken’ symbiosis”. Boom! *creates Honesty Hour then Beyond Blue* The second half of this project really kicks off.
One cannot fault a producer (beat maker) for the lyrics and delivery of the artists he works with, so the production on the beats alone was a respectful effort on Analog’s part. Some of the selected artists, although may be excellent lyricists, do not complement the beats and affect the overall quality of the project. To put it into perspective, Mercedes Benz and BMW both make high performing luxurious motor vehicles, that doesn’t mean they’ll become formidable if they joined forces. Mercedes and Maybach however is a different story. Analog and Strictly DT and Analog and Ben Cutley/Bluntfield are the Maybach/Mercedes of this project.
This is in no way a misstep for Analog, he clearly knows what he’s doing and it will be interesting to see what direction he takes moving forward. If you’re looking for a project to listen to while getting blazed or simply long for that golden era feel Analog’s Against the Grain is the project to check out.
Review written by Neo Pitso.
It’s almost like Analog was creating this project as I review it. I can picture him reading the feedback to Modern Warfare and thinking “you want symbiosis? Here’s your fucken’ symbiosis”. Boom! *creates Honesty Hour then Beyond Blue* The second half of this project really kicks off.
One cannot fault a producer (beat maker) for the lyrics and delivery of the artists he works with, so the production on the beats alone was a respectful effort on Analog’s part. Some of the selected artists, although may be excellent lyricists, do not complement the beats and affect the overall quality of the project. To put it into perspective, Mercedes Benz and BMW both make high performing luxurious motor vehicles, that doesn’t mean they’ll become formidable if they joined forces. Mercedes and Maybach however is a different story. Analog and Strictly DT and Analog and Ben Cutley/Bluntfield are the Maybach/Mercedes of this project.
This is in no way a misstep for Analog, he clearly knows what he’s doing and it will be interesting to see what direction he takes moving forward. If you’re looking for a project to listen to while getting blazed or simply long for that golden era feel Analog’s Against the Grain is the project to check out.
Review written by Neo Pitso.
