Ten-year-anniversary reissue of Minneapolis hip hop collective's first official album. Originally released in 2008, Doomtree's official debut (released on their own Doomtree Records label) hits HARD, the kind of album you'll find yourself bumping in your car or blasting in your apartment (or wherever is capable of handling the booming bass). The collective is multiracial, multigender, and sometimes flows in Spanish with enthusiasm that is hard to shake, particularly on cuts like 'Drumsticks,' 'Game Over' and 'Close Your Ears', where the drums are crunchy and dirty. The latter track is reminiscent of some of El-P's tracks. While I'm making the album out to be made of hard-drum bangers, that's not the case. Tracks like 'Last Call' and 'Sadie Hawkins' showcase the jazzy side of the troupe, sounding like some of Atmosphere's productions. The album's hodgepodge of sounds and styles keep it fresh throughout its 21 tracks, with punk, jazz, blues, and soul influences shining out. Limited Edition 2 LP pressing housed in a gatefold sleeve, featuring a booklet and digital download card. Released on their own Doomtree Records.

• gatefold double LP
• includes booklet
• digital download included
• 21 tracks in all
• Limited Edition pressing
• music label: Doomtree Records 2018

reviewed by Ralphy Corduroy 1/2019