Granville Sessions - No State
27th Jan 2012 by Sir Snaf
Coming together from all corners of London, Granville Sessions are a seven strong collective of musicians and rappers. Fronted by Mnsr Frites, Archetype and Luca Brazi, the three rappers have been heard working with a host of other groups and producers over the last few years, but it is here they feel, and sound, most at home. The musicians Louis Dale (Drums), Marvin Javier (Bass), Ed Koral (Trumpet/Keys) and Giuseppe Falcone (samples) create a diverse home for raps that dig straight into British society, music and culture. No State EP is their debut release.
Watch This opens, a call-to-arms anthem carried by some ridiculous horns.. you literally cant help but stomp around as you pop your groceries in your basket. If turns attention inwards, discussing life's ifs and buts, what if's and why's. Regrets felt across generations, "I might have been a socialiser if I hadn't been a smoker now I'm so immobilsed it seems as if my will is broken", are echoed and placed against a matured acceptance "If I'd done it different I wouldn't be the man I am" and fanciful daydreams "If I was a rich man, six figure pay checque, I'd be running round London town causing mayhem."
Pubsteppin stands out a mile in its sound - electro hiphop with a nod towards to bass and wobbles - and disects the inner workings of British pub culture. Archetype looks at why we go - "I'm getting so wound up I need to get boozed up.. You know the venue", "I never chat much unless I'm getting bladdered". Brazi hails the usual scourge of pubs - Spurs fans and happy hour lager louts, of which he is proudly both - and Frites outs himself as a tinned beer connosieur - "Fuck pub prices, rep for the tinny squad [...] I've been chucking brews for a while now, Tiskey's to Tetley's, Duvel to Beer Laos".
No State is a solid statement showing a lot of promise. Granville offer enough character and wit to engage lyrically, whilst the live band brings them a wider scope and vibe, giving them an edge over many UK hip-hop productions. If future works can transfer as successfully from stage to studio as those here, you can safely wager a round you'll be hearing from them again.
No State EP is out now through Trinity, and costs about the same as 4 cans of special brew.
