'Unstoppable' is the latest incarnation from the boys from Yorkshire, and continues in the fashion that they started with. The acronym of RDB (rhythm, dhol, bass) is certainly prevalent throughout 'Unstoppable', as it mixes authentic desi vibes with the garage/fusion sound that is so popular amongst young Asians today. Many of the lyrics on the album have been written by the brothers' dad, Harjog, who deservedly gets a heavy shout on the album cover.
After a short intro recorded live from a gig, the now unmistakable intro of 'Tenu Thakia' opens up the music. Typically crisp and dynamic production from the boys and sung with supremacy by Kuldeep Purewal, this tune will be in rotation for months to come and looks set to become an anthem. The order of the tracks is interesting, with the desi beats dispersed in between the garage joints which means that fans of 'either/or' can't simply listen to half the album and be content, but on the flip side that shows that RDB are versatile and their music is a more collective experience.
'Buleeain' is the second track and is quite catchy, one of those desi vibes with dholi NEE2 providing the drive. In a new step, the RDB boys themselves step to the mic to do the singing, and don't show themselves up. Their vocals suit the track and Manj, Surj and Kuly don't go beyond their abilities by trying to hard; it would've wrecked the track if they had flopped on high notes or difficult rhythms.
In an excellent piece of production, as 'Buleeain' tails off, 'Daru' comes in slowly and really builds up the mood. I must be honest and say that 'Daru' belongs to new London MC Rydem Ryder, who is claimed can MC at 240 beats a minute (woah!). The young lyricist is certainly quick and its incredible with how fast he can spit, but to his credit it isn't mumblings, you can hear the words in there. Lembhar Hussainpuri provides the slow, computer-like singing that is very suitable, but Rydem Ryder's vocals are the make up of this garage-based track. The tune is quite long, nearly 7 minutes, and the MC goes solo telling the DJ to quit so he can do his party piece.
'RDB Valay' is track five, and is a slow Indian track, sung by Manak E. Nothing spectacular, and the one of the only two tracks that I would describe as fillers. Everything on the song is fine, but it lacks the spark that the album has elsewhere.
There is a brief sketch about MP3 downloads, which I can't understand but it sounds very funny. The CD itself has a very strict copy protection which will not play in most PCs to prevent the piracy, and even goes as far as to disrupt the listening of the music buying fans - the disc won't play in the DVD player I have linked into my hifi. You're spoiling it for the rest of us now....
After the skit we hear the sultry vocals of Kadija on 'Teray Bin'. I really like this track and it reminded me heavily of PHS's 'Dil Chura Liya' although this is more up tempo. The MC'ing comes courtesy of E=MC who features on several tracks. Of the tunes not pressed for airplay, this has to be my favourite.
The next track has been dubbed the new 'Aaja Mahi' by the RDB boys, and is certainly up there. Again, E=MC provides the English flows with Manj singing. This tune will be heavily pressed through the media and shouldn't get tiresome.
Track nine introduces the inimitable Ranjit Mani, who opens fire with a trademark "brrrrrrrruah!". 'Nachdhey' is more of a desi track, but with dramatic bass, I really liked this tune and I'm surprised it hasn't got more publicity. However, this shows that there is so much quality on this album the radio can't play it all.
Rydem Ryder then gets his stage on a garage track called 'Yo', which has some really funny lyrics, especially in the final flow. After stealing the show on 'Daru', talented MC is given his own stage and creatively combines English and Panjabi rhymes to excellent effect. The cruisers will have this pumping, all singing to the hook "Yo, look, who rock the party, Rydem Ryder with the RDB".
After a brief interlude ('Bass Test'), the serious 'Himat' entails, with rapping from E=MC. The intro is very gangster, and the bass is infectious. The tumbi is really nice over the rapping and it's a coherent tune, with the biggest gangsta of them all, the brothers' dad Harjog doing the singing. However, I wouldn't be surprised if the Asian press begin to pick up on the gangsta flavour, which has defamed hip-hop over the years, but positively promotes record sales.
'Jatt Dha Truck' is the penultimate song before the bonus tracks. Another desi tune, DJ Sangha sings the track and this doesn't capture my imagination, but my limited Panjabi vocabulary may be the reason why.
'Yaad' is a typical finishing piece: slow and thoughtful, a lullaby as far as RDB goes. Master Rakesh provides the lyrics and it's a nice way to end the album.
The bonus tracks are a remix of 'Putt Sardara Dhe' and the desi mix of 'Patlay Patlay'. Everyone out there knows what 'Putt Sardara Dhe' is about, the thick bass lines are kept but the MC'ing is re-worked by Rydem Ryder, GI Jatt and Lightning MC. I feel this is a pure degree of animosity to Metz & Trix who left the Untouchables label, but good fun all the same.
The desi 'Patlay Patlay' is cool, another good ending track which takes a psuedo sample from Missy Elliot's 'Get Ur Freak On'. E=MC raps, and the line "If you're loving desi music put your hands up" is certain to bring excellent response in the clubs.
'Unstoppable' is a great album, and deserves the heavy promotion it's getting. The starship RDB is finding new galaxies and this record is a good lighthouse for the new galaxies that bhangra is finding in the current climate. With more and more people entering the scene, RDB are definitely set to profit: they are 'Unstoppable'! Overall, I'd give it 7 out of 10. |