Fun-Da-Mental - Philosophy Of Nothing (2015)

Almost ten years after their last full-length, UK hip hop group Fun Da Mental resurface with album number six on their own Nation imprint. ‘Remote Control’ and ‘Oh Hell No Worry’ set the scene of ‘A Philosophy of Nothing’ with fierce electric guitars, propulsive overdriven bass and aggressive rap parts from main man Aki Nawaz, Shamil Khan, Eslam Jawaad and Mandy Bell. A deceiving scene, as the rest of the album tones down the instrumental’s roughness, but of course doesn’t shy away from speaking uncomfortable truths. ‘Colour of Time’ for instance marks a collaboration with Alasdair Roberts, opening up the realm of Scottish folk music — and although it makes use of ancient musical traditions: in referencing drowning refugees in its lyrics, it couldn’t be more timely.