There aren't many good examples of rap/rock crossover acts, and yet what looked like a purely nineties phenomenon has endured - although thankfully not in nearly the proliferation of the fag end of the last millennium. For my money, the unlikely collaborations that made up the 'Judgement Night' soundtrack are the best examples of the genre, and I do have a soft spot for Urban Dance Squad. And then there's toss like Linkin Park.
Elephant 12 sound nothing like Linkin Park and approach the crossover from a different angle, with vintage drum machines propelling dance-friendly bass grooves cut through with fizzy, spiky punky guitars.
The lead track, 'Holiday' is by far the weakest, but also the poppiest and most accessible, coming on like a cross between Age of Chance and Republica. it gets better though, with 'Ready to Go' buzzing with additive-induced energy and 'Money Talks' - featuring the vocal talents of Asian Dub Foundation's Lord Kimo - has a throbbing bassline and stuttering, edgy guitar that weaves in eastern motifs to good effect.
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On the strength of this EP, Elephant 12 can be placed in that prestigious and extremely selective group of rap/rock/punk crossover bands who are actually worth checking out – and this is pretty exciting stuff.
Elephant 12 on MySpace
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