By Adam Wujtewicz
If you're a New Londoner that is still doesn't know who Erik Lamb is then here is yet another chance for you to listen up. Blow Up Dolls, the follow up to his Whaley Award winning album, Shoot Everything, is nothing short of spectacular. Skobie Won's Nintendo techno beatsmithing is still there even though Erik and Tom Maclean did produce 5 of the 11 songs; Skobie's influence can be heard on the whole album. The tracks "27 MHz" and "Pandora's Box", both done by Erik, are some of the most left of center beats I've ever heard and that's a step in the right direction, but Skobie's songs take those weirdo elements and make them pop songs. Hip-Hop is still the pop music of the 20 something set so that's an important skill to have.
While the beats sound similar to Shoot Everything, Blow Up Dolls is much more energetic. When the tempo drops Erik's voice gets more intense and when he lays back, the track jumps up a few BPM. I know I compared him to Aesop Rock on the last record but if you listen to the inflection and phrasing on "Arcade" you can't help but here the influence. Erik's delivery has gotten more diverse since his last outing. The beats are a little more poppy which makes his attack all the more important and he definitely stepped up to the plate.
Can anyone tell me what this means? "If I was an anamorph I'd be a fuckin' snow leopard". I’ve got to give it to Erik... he's got an almost Mclusky like ability to say completely ridiculous things and make people say how cool it was. In a time where hip hop can take itself far too seriously he brings a personal freedom that should be applauded. People will always listen harder when they have no idea what could possibly come next.
Blow Up Dolls are not just for the desperate and lonely any more. This album will move crowds, vibrate cars and completely rearrange your view on dance music. Isn't that what this is?