Titled I Love You you would expect this release to focus on emotions, intimacy, relationship struggles etc. It doesn't. This album is concerned primarily with getting our arses on the dance floor and rap along to lyrics like "Tryin'-a get up in my pussy and smash. I'm Beyoncé, independent woman, handle that" without letting their raunchiness put us off.
As an entire work Amanda Blank's debut doesn't stand out. There are, however, some great highlights such as Might Like you Better and Shame on Me. The latter featuring purred vocals reminiscent of the best of Miss Kitten or a grown up Lady Ga Ga and is personally the best on the album. For those into their dirty electro it's a must listen.
Unfortunately, there are low points such as Love Song. It sits uncomfortably in the middle of the 33 minute album, slows down the pace and asks us to ignore all the foregone sexually driven lyrics in an attempt to display her own sensitive side.
Blank excels when indulging her M.I.A style rapping, but, when her singing voice is let loose, it manages to impresses with honey sweet vocals that make her more than just another female rapper lost in the mix. Her voice is beautifully utilised on the Lykke Li collaboration Leaving you Behind and then it closes with I Love you, a wonderfully girly high note.
Review by Liz Duffey
Amanda Blank I Love You is out now on Downtown Records.
Calling all fans of Graffiti Art, Breakdancing, Parkour, Skateboarding, In-line blading, bmxing and beats! This weekend, July 25th and 26th sees the return of the Kings Of Concrete Jam in the lovely park behind the Civic Offices at Wood Quay in Dublin.
Expect body poppin' and lockin' with the B-Boy battles, world class murals from IAMDOOM, Jor, Kube, Rask and Filthy Lucre, Skateboard ramps galore, MC battles and tonnes more surprises.
All ages are encouraged as there really is something for everyone over the two day event.
The main B-Boy battle takes place on the Saturday starting with the heats at 2.30pm and the final at 4.20pm.
Check out Jor's work HERE
For those of you willing the party to never end, then you can check out the live art battle in the Bernard Shaw after everything is wrapped up on the Saturday evening.
This Saturday April 11th All City Records in Temple Bar are hosting the All City Easter Jam in the grounds of the Tivoli Theatre, Dublin.
You get to witness talented Irish graff artists at work with Maser, Jor, Kube and Cool C all showcasing and producing pieces on the day. Guest writers this year include T Kid & Ces (US) and Janoe (Europe), Tiws (Europe) and Kacao77 (Berlin) . You can also expect a live 2 x 2 B-Boy battle on the day, Sketch competitions and black book signings as well as live MC's and dj's spinning the best in funk, soul and hip hop. It's a steal at only a €5.00 and is guaranteed to be action packed.
Titled I Love You you would expect this release to focus on emotions, intimacy, relationship struggles etc. It doesn't. This album is concerned primarily with getting our arses on the dance floor and rap along to lyrics like "Tryin'-a get up in my pussy and smash. I'm Beyoncé, independent woman, handle that" without letting their raunchiness put us off.
