Green Sketch-So Long... For Now
i n f o
label........: Background Noise
date ripped..: 02.23.2008
date released: 00.00.2008
url..........: http://www.greensketch.net/
http://www.backgroundnoisecrew.com/
release size.: 33,1 MB
encoder......: Lame 3.97 V2
bitrate......: avg. 160kbps
mode.........: Joint-Stereo
tracks.......: 09
source.......: CDDA
ripper.......: Bearsuit
n o t e s
Based in Minneapolis, hip-hop duo Green Sketch seem to
be roughly in keeping with the stylistic mode set
forth by that city's well-known Rhymesayers camp. So
Long... For Now, the Green Sketch debut, introduces a
sound that is consistent and capable, if lacking in
those qualities that would have it stand out among
more established artists. For an underground debut,
it's not bad, but it wouldn't be hard for the casual
listener to pick this out as an early release from an
underground artist, either. Everyone has to start
somewhere, and you can't rule out future artistic
potential, but said considerations don't change it
that the present recording is likely to find more
resonance at a local (rather than general) level.
Production is definitely the strong point. The
methods don't vary too much ---sample-based hip-hop,
you know the drill--- but the textures range from rock
guitars ("Only"), Japanese string plucks ("Almost
There"), and a more abstract backdrop on "United
States of Atlantis." The arrangements are thoughtful
and give a sense of development to the tracks, holding
your interest even when other elements do not.
Compared against the production, the vocals could use
some growth. There are interesting ideas, as in
"Shortcuts," which is about getting a ride from a
friend and ending up late (because the driver knows
this great shortcut), but the flow often veers into a
stilted, staccato style that sounds too self-conscious
and forced, and one that also seems to be pervasive
among aspiring artists.
The track "Voorhees" is one of the richer tracks, in
terms of overall accomplishment. It allows for a
little singing on the hook, and the acoustic guitar in
the backing track aids along this emotional aspect.
It isn't that all music is better with singing and
acoustic guitar; it is that Green Sketch took a break
here from their usual sound and pulled it off. If
anything, this is what Green Sketch needs: more time
to experiment, and subsequently more time to grow.
http://www.okayplayer.com/reviews/index.php/weblog/mor
e/so_long_for_now/
d a t a
# t r a c k n a m e t i m e
01- Only [02:45]
02- Shortcuts [03:01]
03- Rehab [02:47]
04- Voorhees [03:15]
05- United States of Atlantis [04:15]
06- Almost There [03:10]
07- Cement Shoes [02:40]
08- Countdown [03:43]
09- Lost It [02:16]
33,1 m e g s t o t a l [27:52]