MUSIC REVIEW: MYSTIK JOURNEYMEN - 'RETURN 2 THE LOVE'

Indie Hip-Hop Comes Back Strong, Building Bridges, Blazing Trails & Beats

By: Andrew Shaw

July 27, 2010

(Outhouse Records) It’s been about eight years since the last full-length album was offered from Mystik Journeymen.  Return 2 The Love is the right name for the right set of tracks, expertly produced by the nurturing ear of Sunspot Jonz.   The album brings us back to what the Living Legends Crew has always done best — remained independent, vital, and unique.

The West Coast sound is shown here by purveyors of the best beats.   Legends crew members Murs and Scarub display themselves on “There Will Be Blood”, and suspense is sustained with precision.  “You can’t beat the odds, Living Legends, you can’t defeat the Gods,” sets the limitless feel of heat on concrete — the beat hits like a blistering sun.

“Angels and Demons Symphony” is a definition of how a man can come to be the shape he is; “For those who don’t understand” loops like an inescapable dream behind some of the sharpest rhymes underlining language of the street, coming from mouths of men on the street.  If there’s any misunderstanding of the Mystik Journeymen, it’s not from their lack of trying to build bridges.

Another visitation from fellow Legends crew member comes in the shape of The Grouch, on “People Ov The Sun”, which is about as sunny, optimistic, and inspiring as it gets.   The chorus, “It’s a brand new day,” is sung so sweetly that it walks close to the border-crossing of straight-forward pop.  If only all pop was this good.

“Spaceman Libation” borrows electric jazz-piano to back rhymes with a feel of Sputnik-age Sci-Fi.   The whispered, drawn-out vocal delivery is deeply spaced out, giving the impression that no one here has ever considered losing control. Faux samples from NASA are both comical, exciting, and add further texture, not only to the track but the entire album.

“Anthill Sheriff” is a sharp perspective on the scale of social commentary.   Just how much can be achieved by one man is measured before a party, rich in substance, is launched.   Outward concerns blend with personal interests, and good times will win out.  “I’m John Lennon but in a bullet proof vest” is one of the best rhymes to emerge, not only from the track but from this album, and maybe even the West Coast.

Overall, there is a level of maturity achieved in content and style that sometimes doesn’t survive within the genre.  It could be said that Hip-Hop is no country for old men, that passions fade, aggression burns itself out or is forcibly extinguished.  Return 2 The Love responds to any such charge with a crisp underlining of just how one crew can remain at the top of their game for so long; evolving, developing, and changing pace whilst never surrendering ethics.

For Fans Of: Binary Star, The Pharcyde, Eligh

Standout Tracks: “There Will Be Blood”, “The Doorman Song”, “Spaceman Libation”, “People Ov The Sun”