Odd Holiday are the unlikely duo of North Carolina, USA-based rapper and producer Mattic and North London producer Daylight Robbery! The pair have just come to my attention thanks to their new album L.I.S.A..
By Graeme Smith
Daylight Robbery! has his musical origins in jazz but on this album his production wanders into alternative hip-hop and experimentation. Mattic is the emcee as well as co-producing, and the pair deliver something that’s equal parts nostalgia and boundary pushing with their new album.
L.I.S.A. opens in brash and bold fashion with sweeping, soulful, experimental instrumentation and a laidback rapped verse of Brute Starr. The lyrical poetry sets Odd Holiday apart from a lot of hip hop acts out there and there’s the right balance of hard-hitting message and accessible style. It’s a strong start.
Adam West High School is a great example of the aforementioned jazz and hip hop influences with a mix of groovy double bass and throwback samples. In fact, the whole thing has an old school vibe about it with an infectious bounce and nostalgic references aplenty.
Boarded Up Portals takes things in an eerie direction with striking, storytelling lyrics. Cream Of The Crop is luxurious and sultry while title track L.I.S.A. (Life Is Strangely Altering) is suitably surreal, swirling samples, minimal instrumentals and rapping together in a heady mix. Free Folk is a slow-burning, jazzy number that proves to be a highlight.
Autistically Sheldon (Autism Lyricism) sits at the heart of the album with a smooth and moody style before Omen Key introduces some funky rock and roll elements into the mix. Varsity Team is short and intense while LSD Written is wonderfully chilled. Odd Holiday is a pensive and experimental moment. It Is Whut It Iz gives us lively jazz and nihilistic lyrics before The Mandalorian closes the album with a rich and nostalgic send off.
L.I.S.A. is a collection that simply oozes charisma. There’s slick production and an awesome mix of old school and modern elements in the instrumentals. Yet, what really distinguishes it is its memorable lyrics and bonkers array of samples and references. It’s an album for those who are on the fence about hip hop. It’ll have you converted.
You can check out L.I.S.A. below, or click here to support through the platform of your choice: https://fatbeats.lnk.to/lisa
