This is the full-length debut of producer/MC and Miami native Seth P. Brundel, so an introduction is in order. Part of the hip-hop faction Algorithm, he has paid his dues performing in Japan, Spain, Germany, Puerto Rico, and the Netherlands with such quality underground acts as Cannibal Ox, Dead Prez, Mr. Lif, Aesop Rock, Pase (Five Deez), Yesh, and Pulseprogramming. Having written, produced, mixed, recorded, arranged, and performed almost the entire album, Devil's Pawn's success or failure rests solely on Brundel's shoulders. That's a lot of responsibility, and he responds by producing tracks consistently of a Madlib quality mixed with an almost Boards Of Canada atmosphere. His unifying hand present throughout makes Devil's Pawn flow into a cohesive whole, joining beats that don't really stand out in originality with the unique and untraditional samples that most establish Brundel as a refreshing new face in a genre in dire need of individuals. This CD is an indicting statement, and the lyrics are where his points are most hammered home. Amidst interludes of a pedophile priest and government overlords keeping world demise on schedule are lines like "I can sell you a remedy for that/ and a remedy for the side effects in fact/ and an anti-nuke pill that will keep your back intact/ and I'll throw in a free we survived Hiroshima shirt" that are as hard charging politically and freestyle delivered as you're gonna find this side of Sage Francis. Brundel's production is at its best when he embraces his more natural sounding RZA side, as opposed to tracks like "Insecurity," where he gets a little too synthetic and takes you out of the fine progressive flow otherwise frequented. He would benefit greatly from live musicians or hanging out with the world music crowd. Aside from that, Pawn is fine prog-hop and a promising first effort.
1. Opening Wound
2. Devil's Pawn
3. Blaze of Glory
4. Ego Fuel
5. Absolute Power
6. 1/2 Way There
7. Insecurtiy
8. Beyond Murky Drapes
9. Negligence
10. Amarcordion
11. Boardroom
12. Yesterday's Silence
13. Heroine
14. Fecal Matter
15. Regrets
16. Pay No Mind
17. Self P
1. Opening Wound
2. Devil's Pawn
3. Blaze of Glory
4. Ego Fuel
5. Absolute Power
6. 1/2 Way There
7. Insecurtiy
8. Beyond Murky Drapes
9. Negligence
10. Amarcordion
11. Boardroom
12. Yesterday's Silence
13. Heroine
14. Fecal Matter
15. Regrets
16. Pay No Mind
17. Self P
More about: Seth P. Brundel
