released: june 14, 2024

genre: hip-hop / electronic / dance

from: belfast, ireland

label: heavenly recordings

a few thoughts: once in a while i discover an artist or album that has me absolutely obsessed. i discovered irish hip-hop trio kneecap via their excellent collaboration with grian chatten from fontaines d.c. on “better way to live” off their debut album fine art, and have been rinsing this album from start to finish since. kneecap are a trio consisting of emcees mo chara and móglaí bap, as well as producer dj próvaí. with production taking clear influence from ugk, post-punk and modern hip-hop, the group meanders between electic and colourful soundscapes, with fierce anti-establishment lyricism, surrealism and satire that touches on the very social and economic issues facing the working class and oppressed minority groups in ireland. the immersive and powerful opener “3cag” featuring radie peat on vocals sets the tone and energy for the rest of the album with traditional irish folk elements complementing the dynamic and groovy production. singing and rapping a lot in irish throughout, the trio champions their heritage and culture while simultaneously being critical of the political powers that have oppressed their people throughout their time. it gives us an insight into what a lot of the youth in ireland feel, and their disgust for british colonialism setting up a lot of barriers for people to be free in their country. “fine art” gives a frantic, riveting energy, with heavy drums that create an intensity that captures their anger towards the establishment poignantly. “i bhfiacha linne”, with its heavy synth leads and drug-dealing stories is another great moment, while the high-energy groove of “i’m flush” has this angsty, intensity to it as well. “sick in the head” is a frantic, riveting track with a menacing melody and heavy drumming. rapping about living life on their own terms, trying to not be influenced by what others tell them, the punk energy is what makes this such a frantic and riveting listen. the garage, r&b “love making” featuring nino is an upbeat track with a catchy beat that makes it one of the most sonically accessible tracks on the album. the playful, quirky groove of “drug dealing pagans” is fun and catchy, while “harrow” featuring jelani blackman is an atmospheric track, with lyrics on excessive drug use and the social effects of it, while the heavy dance energy on “parful” makes it one of the catchiest, most energetic moments on the album. “rhino ket” is another menacing, dynamic track, with abrasive electronic beats that capture the urgency of their lyrics. it’s a frantic moment on the album, while “way too much” is more of a soulful, reflective and lighter moment on the album, championing the creative and socially-conscious energy of the youth in ireland powerfully. fine art is a bold, powerful and relatable album about the struggles and experiences of life in ireland, with a frantic engaging energy and catchiness to it that is just so so good.

the album: