clear soul forces: still
Francisco Espregueira
Still is the most definitive Clear Soul Forces release yet. Building a reputation around the Detroit scene for a few years now, the quartet had their breakthrough in 2012 with Detroit Revolution(s), featuring the viral single “Get No Better”. The production, deeply inspired in the space-funk zone that J Dilla began, is all over and enhanced on their new project. In eleven tracks, Still eschews trends and instead provides timeless, straight-up dope hip hop.
Clear Soul Forces are comprised by the talents and inventiveness of Emile Vicent, Ilajide, Noveliss, and L.A.Z. There’s a sense of true teamwork and partnership that is heard and felt on each track. From the neck-snapping opening track “Blaow (feat. DJ Odilon)” through to album closer “Don’t Stop”. And the full trip had our heads nodding to all those eleven tracks, like “Kick It” or the lead single “They Shootin”.
Still is golden era boom-bap for the modern age. It sounds organic and cohesively produced (by Ilajide), delivered through a lens that’s unique to the Clear Soul Forces vibe. No superficial ideas are transmitted to us. Only some of the best hip hop we will hear this year. Available on vinyl.