X & Hell: Million Dollar Sex Party

Editorial

Release date: 30 May 2009 (Illusive)
You have to admire their front. While so many hip hop acts play it safe and rework well worn themes, Melbourne's X & Hell have taken the road less travelled - fame or bust. From the album title to the cover to the liberal use of well-known samples, you know these guys aren't wallflowers. Unashamedly commercial is the best way to describe X & Hell's latest effort. Think of them as the exact opposite of Hilltop Hoods, if it helps. You won't find any stories of crappy factory jobs or suburban blues. These guys would rather tell you about their sneakers, or brag about the girls they've 'nailed'. And when things do get introspective (like on the ironically titled Million Dollar Sex Party) they do it with an eye on the dancefloor.

The problem with going for the jugular and throwing hooks around left, right and centre is that it doesn't always work. Don't Stop Moving - using a sample from Outthere Brothers Don't Stop (Wiggle Wiggle) - is a case in point. It simply tries too hard. But for every car crash there's usually something on offer to make up for it. Monster is as smooth and slick as anything you might hear out of the US. Indeed, there are nods to Justin Timberlake throughout the album.

Purists might scoff, but X & Hell are pushing local hip hop in brave new directions. It might not always come together, but when it does fall into place these guys put most local hip hop acts to shame.

Tracks:
1. Million Dollar Sex Party
2. Dont Stop Movin
3. Jump the Gun
4. Shades Off
5. My Fkn Hat
6. Monster
7. Upside
8. Faraway
9. Good Girl
10. Maybe It's Me
11. Broken Angel
12. Always Winnin'

Mikolai, June 2009
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