My new goal is to have an album from a representative of each state. With artists continually popping up in unlikely places such as Maine and Rhode Island, it was only a matter of time before Colorado joined the mix. The trio of Stro the 89th, Mr. J and Resonant do more than just represent the Rocky Mountains; they are making some great music while they are doing it.
The first thing that will strike you about this album is how crisp the production is. I’m not just talking about the quality of sound, I’m talking about the precise drums and clearly pronounced horns. In fact, you might be quick to make comparisons to the legendary Roots crew. It is no wonder that comparison is made when you consider that two of the member (Stro & Mr.J) are trained musicians commanding several different instruments each. Just take one listen to “Wegotta” and tell me it doesn’t remind you of The Roots, circa 99. While it is certainly flattering to be compared to The Roots, don’t let it fool you into thinking that “As Iron Sharpens Iron” isn’t as original as anything that dropped this year.
The album is littered with great jazzy production, beginning with the energetic “Introducing” and ending with laid back vibe of “Waters Edge.” With beats such as those that back “Wegotta,” “Move Yer Self,” and “Leave Her Alone,” it is easy to ignore the well-executed lyricism that grace them. Stro, Mr. J, and Resonant regularly trade verses ranging from storytelling, battle raps, and personal philosophies. The Procussions bring rhymes of pure passion and exuberance as they effortlessly keep up with the dancing piano keys on “All That It Takes.” “Celebration,” the bass-heavy follow-up, is no slouch either.
Being unaware of The Procussions prior to being slid their debut LP, it was one of most pleasant surprises of the year. In fact, it will likely go down as one of the years most slept-on LP’s as it seems to be going under the radar of just about everyone. Don’t be fooled though, their anonymity is only temporary. “As Iron Sharpens Iron” is a very good album and is bound to turn some heads, just like the landscape of their hometown.
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7/10
