Ex The King Blues front man iTCH has started his solo rap/hip hop project. The debut album by iTCH has some huge chorus’, smooth verses and deep lyrics.
The album has a punk/ska like feel to it with some funky and some heavier distorted guitar riffs. This is demonstrated in the opening track on the album Life Is Poetry which features John Feldmann, who also produced the album. The lyrical content is powerful and hard hitting as are the drums and the power of iTCH’s vocal performance.
A more light hearted happy song on the album is Laugh. It’s just a feel good song with a huge chorus that will burrow itself in your mind. You will whistle along with the it, that is if you can whistle, but the song has a definite ska feel with the acoustic guitar and the voice of Matisyaha who features on the track.
Bottom Of The Glass is a very deep, meaningful song that shows of the writing skills and iTCH’s ability to rap. The song deals with the issues of break ups and the aftermath. It also features Roger Manganelli of Less Than Jake. The song is really hard hitting and touches me on levels I can’t quite comprehend. With some fantastic vocals and complex drums, the song is a stand out.
Overall the album is fun. With the checkyness of Another Man and Laugh and on the other end of the spectrum is Like I’m Drugs which is a more hip hop/rap song, as is The Deep End which aren’t on the same level as the happier songs, but are still enjoyable. With some impressive lyrical work, vocal work and drumming, the album is diverse and iTCH is an artist to watch.
8/10
