Grand Analog is a band that certainly deserves some props. First and foremost, they’re doing something different. While it may not be totally original, that’s still admirable, especially within the hip-hop scene, and their third album Modern Thunder is no different. It’s not totally fair to just label them as hip-hop, though, because the only reason that’s an apt description of them at all is because of the rapping. There isn’t just one person making the instrumental, it’s a full band that draws influence from R&B, Soul, Jazz, Funk, and Reggae. There’s a fair amount of singing on this record, as well. All of these things sound promising, like they’re automatically positive attributes just because they’re somewhat uncommon in the modern era of hip-hop. However, the real problem lies in the actual substance and delivery of the songs themselves. Sure, Grand Analog has a refreshing sound, but what good does that do if the listener’s attention can’t be held properly?
The biggest strengths of this record could also be used as examples as to why it doesn’t quite live up to its potential. For instance, the rapping on this record is perfectly acceptable in context. In fact, it might be the biggest strength that Modern Thunder has to offer. The frontman Odario Williams’ flow fits very well over these unorthodox instrumentals, so that combined his somewhat subdued voice almost makes it seem like it’s another instrument. That’s precisely the problem; it doesn’t stand out at all. There’s no charisma in his delivery and generally nothing memorable about anything he says. He’s a capable lyricist, but nothing more. The subject matter, more often than not, is a whole lot of self-praise juxtaposed with some faux-philosophy and motivational quotes. Take this line from the track Lion Head, “I feel good about the skin I’m in” or from Modern Day Fool, “Above all things, I’ve got to love myself.” Fellow Canadian rapper Shad makes a guest appearance the track The Great Rhyme Dropper, and it’s far and away the best verse on the record just because, while he might not have anything special to say, Shad actually flows with finesse and creativity, and also maintains some impressive rhyme schemes. Regardless, this album still manages to be pleasant to listen to, but that’s just about all it is, because it sure isn’t exciting.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0HJU3N1EPQ]The rapping isn’t the only thing that makes this record such a drab listen, though. The instrumentation has got a lot of the same problems. While the band didn’t do anything wrong, they didn’t do anything particularly right either. With the slew of influences that makes up Grand Analog’s sound, it’s easy for the tracks to blur together, because each track is a blur within itself. Not only that, but the instrumentals suffer from the exact same problem that the rapping does in being non- memorable and bland, with little to no actual substance to take in. They’re all upbeat, mid-paced, and definitely entertaining for the most part, but there’s nothing that warrants any repeated listens. The replay value of this record is dramatically dropped by the lack of anything that really stands out. The closest that Modern Thunder gets to memorable is some of the hooks, most notably the ones on the tracks Howl (Like Wolves) and People People. Even in that case, though, there are only a few really catchy ones.
Modern Thunder is by no means a bad record. It doesn’t even really feel like a chore to listen to because of how inoffensive it is in every way, and that it its major drawback. It gives no reason to revisit, because you could pick damn near any song on here to listen to and not miss out on anything; it most likely has nothing else to offer that you didn’t hear in that one song. Grand Analog are clearly a talented group of musicians, but it’s hard to picture them going anywhere with their brand of basic jazzy, funky, soulful instrumentals and less-than-captivating vocals. They might stand out among their peers in hip-hop today, but Modern Thunder simply has no lasting power. It doesn’t quite seem fair to expect a listener to be interested in the music when the frontman doesn’t even sound interested. Granted, that doesn’t automatically mean this record isn’t worth the time, but it’s the general lack of creativity that really does it. Until then, Grand Analog might just be doomed to a career of making background music,and that would be unfortunate for a group with their potential.
Score: 2.5/5
This review was written by Jordan Baker
This is the worst review I’ve ever read. Every point you’ve tried to make is completely subjective, followed by some sort of corny consolation. You may not be able to understand the record, but why spread this poor drabble that does nothing but dissuade other people, who unlike yourself, might be able to recognize something truly interesting and creative like Modern Thunder.