Dälek’s new album Abandoned Language marks the fourth studio release of their career, and it is arguably their best yet. While still fierce as ever, Dälek’s sound has taken on a newly refined, more tangible approach that works amazingly well. Departing somewhat from their abrasive, noise-laden effects of 2005’s Absence, the pair have developed a much cleaner sound that will appeal to more traditional hip-hop fans while not alienating their traditional followers either.
The key to Abandoned Language’s success undoubtedly lies in the combination of devastatingly powerful lyrics and menacing beats & effects that make up each track. Dälek have always been known to express controversial, racially-charged political messages in their music, and this album is no exception. “I can’t accept the struggle’s dead when there’s blood on my lips / Our people’s been trained to live in a tight cage / The only thing we feel is mad rage” spits MC Dälek on the title track, dropping line after line about injustice and oppression. Meanwhile, the pummeling beats and eerie effects really drive home the message, putting a sour taste in the ear and perfectly complementing the anguish expressed in the lyrics.
By far the most noticeable change to Dälek’s sound in Abandoned Language is that the effects are more controlled and appropriately used than in their previous album, Absence. Even fans of the former album will likely be relieved at the much more stomachable content present in Abandoned Language. It seems that the duo has come to appreciate the power of their frightening noise experimentations, and has finally harnessed that power and put it to use in a way that won’t scare away listeners after the first ten seconds. Instead, the noise and samples are rather used as a complement to the message of the lyrics, rather than overpowering or drowning them out. The only place that this new technique seems absent is in the album’s few instrumental segments, during which the noise and effects seem to become a bit excessive again. Nevertheless, the sounds expressed in Abandoned Language are a huge step forward for Dälek and very worthy of attention.
All in all, Abandoned Language is an essential album for anyone with a taste for hip-hop, racial issues, or extreme music. Fans of heavier music will surely appreciate Dälek’s brutal ferocity, while fans of urban music will find inspiration in the album’s blunt yet frighteningly dead-on depictions of racial injustice. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up ASAP.
| Reviewer: Sean Butze Added: March 8th 2007 |
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