Black Dragon incorporates some Charlie’s Angels-inspired bass and horns, with Mr.Clean’s lyrics coming hard and fast. The dynamite retro theme is carried on with Ready to Drop and Prince of Cool, which sounds like it could have been used as the theme from Knight Rider. Pot or Pills is a true highlight, blending amusing audio grabs and soulful backing.
The Clapping Song would be incredible live, utilising a ghetto Zac Effron in the U.S’ Coin Locker Kid, completed with Hairspray-inspired, doo-wap backing. That same formula is repeated with the soulful U Can’t Save Me, featuring Buff 1 & Stephanie McKay.
Creativity slumps with Beware and It’s A Blast, which are basically just chopped-up rap classics with extra snares thrown in, in an attempt to make them sound original. The last half of the album feels less-inspired, with Number One, The Popcorns and Who’s Doing What failing to generate as much excitement. Time Ticks On picks up the pace again and the album finishes strong with soul-infused rhythm and dark commentary of Dreaming of You.
Best Track: Pot or Pills
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: CUT CHEMIST, R2DJ, HERMITUDE
In A Word: Groovy
