Review Summary: Urthboy's got stories to tell you.
Tim Levinson, better known as the rapper Urthboy and manager of independent label Elefant Traks, has spent a huge part of his life telling stories; the track Natural Progression from his 2004 solo debut starts with the spoken word part "you got a story to tell?" and he hasn't let up since then. Yes, this is Australian hip hop, complete with samples and scratching and yes, there are a fair share of catchy choruses and melodies thrown in, but take his fourth album Smokey's Haunt. On this album we are presented with tales - some true, some not - of abandoned rollercoasters, underage escapades in Sydney nightclubs, an old lady's unnoticed passing in her home, two lovers' bitter distrust and even stories addressed to himself, to be re-read (or re-listened) at an older age. This is storytelling in music, but the lyrics are not the only success story here. While listening to 2009's Spitshine might have left listeners gasping for air in the thick onslaught of unnecessary electronic cheese, Smokey's Haunt finds a much more balanced and appropriate musical backing to the lyrics.
From the pounding drums and horns of the opener Stories to the heavy bass of Clean Slate, the first four tracks of the album hit hard and cut deep. Soul man Daniel Merriweather lends a smooth chorus to Naive Bravado, but not in a way that detracts from the track's menacing and ominous feel, and Cleopatra continues the dark atmosphere with a barely restrained admonition of gambling, recalling Urthboy's more political work with The Herd. The Big Sleep tells the somber story of an old lady who passed away in her Surry Hills home, not to be noticed for eight years. The track is a perfect contrast of light and dark; the pensive and solemn verses against Alex Burnett's soaring chorus. The more relatable story of a conflict between lovers is similarly portrayed in Hey Dianne, but the tables are turned here. Urthboy's verses rise to just about boiling point against the buildings drums and then are cut back for the softer chorus, sung by Bobby Flynn against a twinkling piano.
However, it's not all doom and gloom. Horrorshow's Solo and rising star Jimblah provide guest verses for the lighthearted On Your Shoulders, addressing issues such as seeking change, the Kony 2012 campaign, and one individual's effect on the world around them - "carrying it all on your shoulders" - in a reserved yet considerate way, topped off by a hum-along chorus provided by all three MCs. Standouts Knee Length Socks and Orphan Rocker rock out with smiles on their faces, both featuring prominent drums, guitars, and keyboards. The former is a chronicle of Urthboy, "17 with the face of 15" spending nights in a Britpop nightclub owned by his older brother, and its "indie kid" crowds. This is all told with some tongue in cheek humour: "should have put a British accent on, pashed her in the chorus of a catchy song with the charm of a trashy pom: 'allo love, wanna snog?". Closing track Orphan Rocker details Urthboy's hometown of Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains and it's contrast with the city and Parramatta Road, parallel with the story of the Blue Mountains' abandoned rollercoaster built in the 80s named the Orphan Rocker. Both of these tracks own the album's best choruses, crafted to be sung back by crowds big and small.
Even at it's less subtle moments, Smokey's has no significant low points. There are more laid back and melodic songs than ever, yet the fury and energy is still apparent. As far as the album's guests go, Urthboy couldn't have picked better company to suit the respective songs, probably owing to his knowledge as a label manager. Taking the "best of both worlds" mentality - the rawness of his debut and the hooks of Spitshine - that made his sophomore album The Signal work so well and executing it even better, Urthboy's fourth album Smokey's Haunt stands out as his best effort yet both lyrically and musically. So hopefully you'll understand the excitement attached to his stories: "let's get up on this rollercoaster, let's see where it takes us... let's head out to that cliff and find out, come on!".
