Offie Mag

What do MIKE, Earl and Gorpcore enthusiasts all have in common? They all love finding unexpected pockets!

Terrible joke, I know. I won’t apologise, I’m too excited that two of alternative rap’s best and brightest are linking up for a super cut. All production coming straight off the SURF GANG factory line. This is just what the doctor ordered.

Many have been waiting for a joint project from these two. They’ve carved out their own lanes as innovators, and their pre-existing collaborations only feed the sense of what could be. It’s a natural progression born out of friendship and a shared respect for each other’s talents, but what makes the project interesting — other than its 33 tracks — is that they’re working a little more outside their usual scope than core fans might expect.

Historically, the pair have leaned toward sample-based instrumentals that are rhythmically fluid, allowing their flows and lyricism to move without the rigidity found in some corners of Hip-Hop. This time, the project leans on New York’s SURF GANG for production. The likes of evilgiane and Harrison have worked with both before; notably ‘Making The Band (Danity Kaine)’ and ‘Belly 1’. So there’s already a track record of success.

Their sound has evolved, but recently it’s centred around minimal, synthetic textures. Creating space, inviting spontaneity, like a canvas for whoever steps up to spill their thoughts.

‘Earth’ and ‘Minty’ are the first drops from the album. On the Harrison-produced ‘Earth’, I can count just six separate sounds across the beat, the absence of claps and hi-hats specifically creates a pulseless ambience, leaving Earl free to weave through the bones of the track without limitation.

‘Minty’ sees the head of 10K and the founder of SURF GANG come together harmoniously, again over a beat that leaves all the space in the world for MIKE to do what he does best — make any instrumental his own, adding quality without ever doing anything unnecessary.

Together, the tracks come in at just under three and a half minutes, but their stripped-back nature suits the short runtime. One fully realised idea will always land better than three half-baked ones. It’s a theme that runs through POMPEII // UTILITY, too, with most of the tracklist barely pushing past the two-minute mark.

Alongside the album, they’re going global once more. Earl, MIKE and Harrison will embark on the ‘Home On The Range’ tour, which even sees them stopping off in Brighton at the Dome.

There’s a lot to be excited about here and, with the album landing on April 3rd, it’s shaping up to be a very, very Good Friday indeed.

Words by Louis Rowland