I know I must say this before every release, but I guess I’m the opposite of Flavor Flav’s ‘BELIEVE THE HYPE’ because somehow, in one way or another, every new Penlordz release is better than their last, and this time is no exception! Let’s talk about it!
So, this is the latest full-length album by Arsinel that is produced by Da Grand Hova and includes eight fresh new tracks and features the usual suspects of Fam Ross and Audio Messiah! (Where there’s one, there’s all) and together they unite for a project that I feel showcases their more grittier and muddy side of their soundscape than in a lot of their previous work!
I can tell from experience that a lot of their albums this year have been delicate, harmonious, smooth, and polished in their structure. This level of ‘divine’ instrumentation has set them apart from the rest, but on this occasion, I feel them returning to the ‘Slaughter Tape’ vibes, and the real ones know what that means! When they get on that vibe, everyone watch the fuck out.
We are talking heavy, skeletal drum patterns, eerie synth strings, and chord progressions. These types of beats are rough and rugged, unapologetic, and ruthless in execution. Droning, noise-inspired instrumentals whose purpose is to stir up the pot and leave the audience on their feet while giving the most unholy platform for the three MC legends to pop off on!
As you probably guessed from the album title and album cover, this album is based off the boxer ‘ButterBean’, and in that respect, the large, powerful, and intimidating beat choices are the perfect representation of the man himself and his terrifying power. Also made evident by the consistent usage of samples and snippets of his introduction and his records throughout the years, which I absolutely love and pays homage to the legend!
Although this album is only 18 minutes in length, the way it’s executed, the techniques, the raw and bare blueprint for the record with nothing but those skeletal elements and devastating atmosphere is a sound that is very too and far between when talking about Penlordz, but when they are on this wave, it’s strong enough to knock everyone off their feet! Absolutely unreal!
It’s not just the instrumentation that evolved across this one, so did the MC work by Arsinel and all three men involved. They are geniuses at adapting to their respective sounds and styles! If the soundscape is smooth, so are they! If the music is angelic and introspective, expect a more witty and complex narrative from the boys.
But if the production is downright in your face and ruthless? Then expect one of the most grimy, relentless, and savage displays of lyricism and wordplay that you’ve ever seen in your life! It’s like the age of the question ‘what would happen if Superman turned evil?’ Well, this is the underground equivalent. If the Penlordz switched up and became focused on killing the industry, how would it fare? Well, apparently not well because I can’t imagine how anyone is supposed to defend against this level of vocabulary assault by this remarkable trio, but I fucking love hearing it nonetheless!
Overall, this could very well be my favourite Penlordz release so far! (Which is saying a lot) These guys are on an unprecedented role that I can’t imagine ending anytime soon! Check this album the fuck out!
https://open.spotify.com/album/29n3JS2uLjpwqVn7JQlzDI?si=9EKAlU66QcOhdG-dk7xDHQ
The Serpent Tongue Reviews 