ALBUM REVIEW: DRAPHT: SHADOWS AND SHININGS

Let’s take it back to 2008 just quickly…

Whenever I hear the name Drapht, my first thought is instantly, and always will be: Jimmy Recard. King of the castle, king of the barstool. A lot has happened for the Perth hip-hop artist, also known as Paul Reid, since 2003 when he released his debut album Pale Rider.

From the release of Brothers Grimm (2008), to The Life of Riley (2011) Drapht quickly cemented himself as a household Australian hip-hop name, with his 2008 single ‘Jimmy Recard’ becoming the second most played song on triple j in 2008. 

With a three year gap between his last record, Arabella Street, Drapht is set to release his latest album, Shadows and Shinings on September 10. 

The 15 track album begins with an eerie short introductory message, which states that if you are taking a breath each morning, you have an influence on the world which surrounds you. It appears to be somewhat daunting, and almost feels like a precaution for the roads which lie ahead. 

In what seems like a signature and possibly ingenious move by Drapht, ‘Shadow On My Walls’ proceeds and contrasts ‘Intro’, which is full of upbeat jazz piano keys and his infectious energy. Already, the production is polished and full to the brim of intricate details and instruments.

If there’s anything that Aussie hip-hop fans need now, it’s a Drapht collaboration with renowned Australian hip-hop group Hilltop Hoods. Ask and you shall receive, as track three, ‘Oliver Twist’ features Pressure from Hilltop Hoods. The slower change of pace found in ‘Oliver Twist’ marks the start of contemplative, blues-style moments within the album. 

‘Postcards’ really taps into this intersection between blues and hip hop, akin to the style of the late American hip-hop artist Mac Miller. ‘Speakeasy’ featuring Australian hip-hop artist Jeswon, sees Drapht lean into these jazz influences, the track glistening with brassier elements and the light touches of a xylophone, where he finds a relaxed flow.

The album takes perhaps an erratic bend around a devils elbow, where ‘Hypocrite’ featuring alternative rock artist Eli Greeneyes, is full of driving guitar chords reminiscent of his 2011 single ‘Rapunzel’, where Drapht mentions The Truman Show, which was also referred to in ‘Rapunzel’. 

At track nine we’re greeted yet again with another eerie cautionary message, this time in the form of an interlude, ‘Minor Interruption (Interlude)’ is complete with horror screams and anti-capitalist ideals. Spooky, right? 

Drawing upon influence from revered American rapper Eminem, ‘Problem Here’ featuring Perth rapper Complete and Eli Greeneyes, is full of explosive verses and heavy metal choruses. It’s hard to tell at this point which genre will be tackled next, as no stone is left unturned in Shadows and Shinings. 

Think Mexican mariachi band combined with a Childish Gambino type flow, and you’ll be met with track 13, ‘Hollywood Hills’. When I tell you I was surprised, boy oh boy, was I surprised. It’s a pleasant one at that, which is followed by a track featuring yeah, you guessed it, Dune Rats. Ok, wait, maybe you weren’t thinking of Dune Rats, and neither was I. But it works.

Shadows and Shinings takes plenty of unexpected twists and turns, which perhaps feels a little disjointed at times. The album, littered with what I can only describe as The Avalanches-esque samples, is sonically rich and full of diverse instruments and vocal pairings. I’m starting to think that this is the beauty of Drapht, who has dived head first into unknown territory on Shadows and Shinings. He’s created a seventh album which is introspective, explosive, and full of zest and signature lyricism. The self-fulfilling prophecy rings true: no two men can better him, not even Lenny and Carl. 

DRAPHT ‘SHADOWS AND SHININGS’ NATIONAL TOUR

FRI 3 SEP | SETTLERS TAVERN, MARGARET RIVER, WA 18+ | TICKETS

SAT 10 SEP | JACK RABBIT SLIMS, PERTH, WA 18+ | TICKETS

FRI 17 SEP | FAT CONTROLLER, ADELAIDE, SA 18+ | TICKETS

SAT 18 SEP | NIGHT CAT, MELBOURNE, VIC 18+ | TICKETS

SUN 19 SEP | BARWON CLUB, GEELONG, VIC 18+ | TICKETS

FRI 24 SEP | SOL BAR, MAROOCHYDORE, QLD 18+ | TICKETS

SAT 25 SEP |  WOOLLY MAMMOTH, BRISBANE, QLD 18+ | TICKETS

SUN 26 SEP | MIAMI MARKETTA, GOLD COAST, QLD 18+ | TICKETS