Review:

on 2009-05-07 muddyfish_uk Said:

Dalek is one of those rare things - a progressive hip-hop act who often draws upon political reference and succeeds in not coming across as weary or insincere. There is, no denying the anger that is inherent on 'Gutter Tactics' as indeed was the case with 'Abandoned Language'. The album continues with the same vibe that 'Abandoned Language' established because Dalek have clearly found their sound, which is one of dark, brooding intoxicated drones and noise served on a platter of organic and usually quite orthodox hip-hop beats. There is however, nothing orthodox about the instrumentation, in fact, the sound of this album is wholly unorthodox.

To appreciate Dalek's sound you will need at least a passing interest in drone, shoegaze, post-rock and/or noise music. It should be noted that they share a roster with the progressive metal band 'Isis' and often tour with them. Whether or not this has contributed to 'Gutter Tactics' isn't clear, however what is clear is that this disk is one complicated album which, as is the case with Isis, demands continual spins to appreciate the subtle nuances (laced throughout), which make Dalek's sound so extraordinary.

However, newcomers would be advised to approach this album with caution as Dalek has never complied with the generic hip-hop formular and you will be disappointed if you expect as much. Make no mistake, 'Gutter Tactics' is a heavy album. Often overbearing and daunting in its approach. Even the more straightforward tracks such as the gorgeous '2012 (The Pillage)' will test you regardless of its instant 'head nodding' potential.

'No Question' opens the album with a feedback laden drone over a standard hip-hop drum line. Dalek's flow is flawless as he spits his aggressive, yet sombre rhymes to those prepared to listen - and listen they should because he has a lot to say.

DJ Oktopus' skills really shine on the longer, indulgent tracks like the dreamlike 'A Collection of Miserable Thoughts Laced with Wit'. Vocals creep out of the ether and reside somewhere between the gentle guitar and piano notes which dance over reverb drenched atmospherics. The positioning of this piece is perfectly placed on the disk to act as a welcome intermission before embarking on the second half of the album which closes with the stunning 'Atypical Sterotype'. A wonderful piece in which Dalek adopts a more typical flow over a slightly slower, albeit just as distorted, layer of feedback.

'Gutter Tactics' is what you would expect from Dalek after the brilliance of 'Abandoned Language' and as with the previous album, due to the nature of these records, it is advised that the album be played on quality headphones or on a decent hi-fi... Loudly.



Rating: 8/10