I must confess. I have never re-eally been that ultimate hip-hop fan, in a sense that I wouldn’t normally be able to listen to a full length hip-hop album from start to finish. However, once I had heard, Shwayze’s Buzzin’ (probably the most well-known and definitely the most enjoyable track on his new record) a couple of years ago – I was hooked. And hooked you become, as you find yourself Roamin’ in Malibu – the hometown of both Cisco Adler and Shwayze (born Aaron Smith) who make up this act. With some deep beats and melodies that somehow melt together, conjuring up a smoky haze of girls, beaches, sunsets, big skies and endless parties. At first hearing of the buzz around the duo, you automatically think of Eminem’s battle from Detroit’s 8 Mile, however, this record becomes a stark contrast, highlighting all things lazy and lovely about the sunny city. Not only did Adler provide backing vocals and swooning guitar riffs, all tracks were produced and mixed by the same man that brought you Mickey Avalon’s Jane Fonda. Mickey Avalon also provided lyric and music back-up in Lazy Days, a sugar flavoured track, full of slow beats and repetitive phrases – very easy to sing along to.
2008 has been a killer year for Shwayze, from this self titled album release, to on-going support from the folks at MTV (and various MTV shows – including the reality TV series, Buzzin’ which catapulted the track of the same name to an all time high, cameras rolling to watch the Suretone Records artist experience it all) an album special appearance from guitarist, Dave Navarro, in closing track Flashlight, and tour dates all around the US in December.
Shwayze touches on the Malibu lifestyle through the cover art of the album. A warm sunset and silhouette of palm trees entice the listener and encourage the most appropriate time for enjoying the record – mid afternoon to early evening.
Highlights on the record are definitely not hard to come by, Corona and Lime provides exactly that – the perfect alcoholic compliment to an all round catchy chorus and romantically metaphorical versus. Another impressive track was, of course, Buzzin’ with it’s simple melody and invitation to feel the infatuation throughout – it is a catchy tune. The record is very laid-back, and mixes a variety of instruments, coupled with beats to produce a myriad of illustrations, each lyric personalising the American landscape, ” Girls by the sea dress like hippies… girls in the hills go day trippin’…” yet still having the ability to become universal. Adler and Smith both pay tribute to their influences, in both James Brown Is Dead and Mary Jane. Techniques, such as the part talking part singing by both Adler and Shwayze provide a casual, conversational atmosphere.
This record spun in the CD player of my car for days, playing over and over – from start to finish.
Originally published on: thedwarf.com.au