Verb T has chosen to let us in and experience a very difficult period of his life and the challenges he faced during this time. Being able to express himself through music as a positive way of venting and dealing with the situation has led to this very deep and personal release from High Focus. Its not very often that you will hear an EP as raw as this, it manages to remain relatable, even though the events described throughout are very specific to himself. Like "I Remain" each track was produced by Verb and shows us how far his production has come. Every track sounds unique with the styles and mood varying massively throughout complementing the story being told and helping to set the scene of his mind state at the time the events take place. Verb T is no stranger to the UK Hip Hop faithful, he has toured the country and over seas for the last few years with his group The Four Owls and the High Focus record label. Also known for his solo work on the Mic and for making beats, this is his most intimate release to date giving us a no holds barred look at everything that happened during this time in his life.
The opening track, The Tunnel, is the beginning of the journey he faced when dealing with his chronic illness. A stark look at overcoming the initial shock and being strong enough to deal with it on his own, looking towards the light. The beat is a stomper, a great opening to the album, and the first of many styles that will be on display.
Track 2, Dreaming of a Life featuring Moreone, brings us a step back with a more sombre approach to the beat. The tight drums with moody vocals are simple but so effective. The only track to feature another emcee and both artists deliver exceptionally with thought provoking bars.
Isn't Clear is a stand out tune for us and is an example of how far his production has come. The beat feels incomplete yet perfectly polished at the same time and is rounded off nicely with a mellow melody and gently swelling strings. The lyrics deal with the effects of his illness starting to take its tole whilst trying to carry on as normal, trying to laugh it off as his anger "resides in the darkness." The second verse sees the beat switch gears as Verb gives us some insight into the affects medication can have on your body and mind.
Breathe is another stand out track from the release. Although short, the slow jam-style beat with that smooth Rhodes lick on the keys and his short bursts of double time delivery is another great example of his eclectic use of production and his own voice. Easily our favourite beat on the EP and as an added bonus we also get the return of Dick Trusay.
Medicate opens up with some high end jazz keys and bass with a distinct tempo that's consistent until the second hook when the tempo is drastically decreased, switching up the vibe of the track. Although the tracks tempo was decreased, the second half of the track feels more upbeat. Verb is letting us know something. That no matter how laid back he is, he isn't afraid to break the mold to keep us on our toes. The lyrics explain the high and lows of medication, and everything in between including the exploitation of medicine for money.
One of the shorter tracks, Warning Label is like a doctor explaining the many side effects you may experience from your medication and how to tackle the after effects. The beat is very down tempo and soul influenced, short but sweet.
Powdered Dreams was the first track to be uploaded to youtube giving us our first taste of the EP. It has a real ambient electronic vibe rounded off with hard spacious snares.
The final track "Reprogram" takes a look at coming out the other side of illness and the life style changes needed for peace of mind and to positively move forward with life. The beat has a great "Summer Time" feel and is a great end to this story.
Although the the theme of Medicated might be thought of by some critics as a little depressing, the breathtaking lyrical content and high level of production from Verb T far from bring you down. With a little humor sprinkled throughout this is a rare chance to get such a personal look at one of our most beloved UK Hip Hop artists. Available for download from September 12th and will also be available on CD from High Focus.com. We highly recommend you get it now. Massive respect to Verb T on this one.
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/medicated-dreams/id914830552
http://www.high-focus.com/home/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Verb-T/127505310669368
https://twitter.com/realverbt
Reviewed by Double ES and NDLC.
