ISWHAT?! - Big Appetite [Album]

Until listening to ISWHAT?! I never thought it would be possible to pull off combining soulful jazz with hip-hop, rap and rock. Well, the Cincinnati four most certainly did. Forming in 1996, the time where Tupac and Biggie Smalls were at their prime, the quirky and slightly ironically named band definitely went against the norm of the era by finding a niche in the music industry. Their music definitely does not signify generic hip-hop. From what it seems, it wouldn’t surprise me if ISWHAT?! formed to promote experimentation in the late 90s.

Combining vocalist and beat boxer Napoleon Maddox with former saxophonist Jack Walker and bassist Matthew Anderson, their first album Landmines was released in 1999 where the original trio fixated on their live performance. Signed to OSNR, a label which promotes acts which don’t possess any cliché, ISWHAT?! fits in incredibly. During 2006 ISWHAT?! endured several member changes (maybe for the best) this converted the former trio into the current quartet. Since then ISWHAT?! has recently hit the UK on tour and dished out their début album Big Appetite described by Napoleon as "more than a collection of delicious audio treats. It's a diary, a chronicle of overconsumption, real cautionary tales about lust, desire, greed and hunger."

The well-chosen opening track off the album ‘Dig’ accentuates the bands exotic philosophy; the harmonising sound of the saxophone mixed with the jazzy beats builds a climax for the addition of the renowned rappy vocals. Flowing straight into the catchy ‘Cats,’ it kicks off with intense double bass, captivating the fresh talent of Claire Daly with fierce saxophone solos. The bouncy rhythmic beats of ‘Homestead’ coincide with Maddox’s confrontational tone, drilling their passion into the listeners’ minds. Tiny tracks add a funky, peculiar edge to the conformation of the album, filling it with an element of disclosure.

When I came across ‘Fanta’ on Big Appetite I wasn’t surprised by its odd name, however, I did think, why the hell would you name a song after a fizzy drink? The sheer originality of ISWHAT?! is reflected in vast aspects of their persona which is something I adore. With the help of Sofia Rubina the composition of ‘Fanta’ is perfected with its rippling random blares. The overall make-up of the track contrasts to the opening melodies. My preferred track off Big Appetite is ‘Hungry,’ which marks a great middle way point as the subliminal rhythm and tone conceits the range of ISWHAT?!’s musical capability; with aid from Fernanda Wilmes’s vocals it complements the smooth soul. Last but not least, the highly recognisable ‘Trouble’ is left responsible to please the listener. The crafted introduction of the chilling vocals of Nymeeah the Soulslayer portray an expectation of the track being fuelled by ‘Trouble’ itself. The intricately put-together song unravels it’s dark imagery with the combination of obscure saxophone solos and shadowy lyrics.

I’d say Big Appetite is a definite album to be recommended to almost anyone, as ISWHAT?!’s innovative façade could apply to a vast amount of tastes.

Click here to see the published review on altsounds