Verb T & Pitch 92 - Good Evening (Review)
I would be highly surprised if anyone reading this needs any introduction to Verb T... So I won't bother, except to say that I have been a long term listener, back to the "Back Hand Slap Talk" days. His consistency, in terms of output, quality and longevity, is probably unmatched on these shores, making any new release compulsory listening.
As a rhymer, Verb's continual improvement is remarkable. Many MCs, when approaching veteran status, seem to become sloppy. Delivery, content, flow-patterns, energy levels; one or more of the above often degrade markedly. How many times have you given a long-serving MCs new material a spin, only for it to make you realise how much you appreciate their old shit! Not Verbs. From a technical standpoint, this album represents a high point in terms of both quality writtens and polished delivery. Maybe it is the pressure of the constant stream of dope coming from his High Focus label mates, but the years have done anything but dull the blade. He has an almost unrivalled knack for positive, motivational lyrics, that manage to avoid becoming cheesy, "Getaway Car" being a great example: "If you never try, you never will / We forever climb, forever build". Indeed.
Another remarkable thing about Verb's back catalogue is the never ending supply of top notch producers, giving each new project a fresh, up-to-date sound, whilst helping ward off complacency. The latest accomplice is Pitch 92. Whilst not a immediately recognisable a name as Verb T, his music, as part of The Mouse Outfit, is much more likely to ring bells. Here, he provides a bass-line rich, warm hug of a backdrop that supports and promotes the MC, without ever being greedy for the limelight. The deep thumping baselines of tracks like "I Arrived Late", "That Sound" and "Sends Me Away" envelop the eardrum, and force you to nod along. On occasion, I was even reminded of an early 90s Erick Sermon; no bad thing at all!
Perhaps the album's one misstep is when trying to provide some variety. "Mates Rates" utilises the same sample as the Common and Kanye classic "The Corner". The collaboration on this track has the feeling of being merely an In The Balance Records showcase, and is lacking in genuine chemistry as a result. I haven't yet managed to listen to it without thinking I would rather be listening to "The Corner" instead. The only other (very minor) quibble would be that the album should end with "Good Evening". This is such a strong track, featuring a powerful, memorable chorus from the resurgent Jehst, that it seems like the perfect note on which to end the project. This is not to say that "Break Limits" is a disappointing effort in its own right, it just feels a fraction out of place. Thankfully though, this time there is no jarring interruption of proceedings from Dick Trusay!
You didn't even need to read this, or any other review, to know that a new project from Verb T wasn't going to disappoint. It certainly doesn't. In fact, I would even suggest that this is one of his stronger efforts. It perhaps doesn't (as the press release advertises) contain "some of his most personal rhymes to date". It does contain some of his most passionate and vibrantly delivered verses though, over as smooth and head-nod-inducing a set of beats as you will find. Another sureshot.