Band: Doomtree
Release: Bangarang
Release Date: 28/05/12
Interest in Doomtree has been steadily rising since member Cecil Otter’s involvement in last year’s much blogged about ‘Wugazi’ album (a mash up of Wu Tang Clan and Fugazi) and following a successful run in the UK recently the Minneapolis rap collective now release new single ‘Bangarang’.
In a world where rap stereotypes are running ever rampant, refreshingly Doomtree swerve all talk of bitches, hoes and getting money and are a much more interesting proposition because of it. Harking back to the glory days of hip hop, Doomtree sit much more comfortably alongside the likes of A Tribe Called Quest rather than Flo Rida, inhabiting a niche group of MCs who thrive on integrity and diversity rather than tired clichés and get-rich-quick scheme rapping. Spacey synths blend with the various members’ diverse range of tone and technique that superbly demonstrate the individual members’ unique personalities. It is fitting that the lyrics cry of “all these rappers sound the same”, backed up with something that feels fresh and exciting.
Doomtree may still be a far cry from Jay Z and Kanye-style arena tours but when they are releasing songs of this high standard, it is safe to say that their battle against generic music is deserving of the attention they are now gaining. Plus if all of that hasn’t convinced you to check it out yet the video features a half naked Har Mar Superstar doing karaoke.
8/10
Reviewer: Gavin Lloyd
