Album Thu Aug 14 2008

Puttin' on The Ritz

With several collaborations over the last few years, Chicago's Apoc (rhymes) and Rel (beats) (a.k.a. The Ritz) have come to know each others style and sound, and the result is the well-crafted debut, The Night of Day (Lab-o Records 8/19/08). With nods to the themes and aesthetics of the gritty noir films of 40's and 50's, these two have created an album filled with beats, samples, and lyrics that are both fresh and original yet always mindful of history. Highlighted by appearances by Psalm One, Moodswangz, Elfamail, and Brendan B., the standout track in both name and sound is "Langston Bukowski" featuring Racecar of Modill (video). It's an exploration of alcoholism and all of its ill effects.

Apoc has a well-established history both here in Chicago and in San Francisco since 2003 and the release of his debut album Salesmanshipwrecked. Know for his wild live performances, that energy really comes through on every track he appears on. Rel is a Chicago producer who has worked with several local acts like Elfamail and Moodswangz. He has once again proven that he is a man of many sounds from orchestral slow jams to bouncy summer beats or the electro-creep, Rel keeps it moving. Pulling the entire album together with his skilled and knowledgeable cuts is DJ Onceamonth, a veteran Chicago battle DJ.

[MP3] The Ritz - It's the...

The Night of Day will be release on August 19th via Chicago's Lab-Oratory Records. You can stream the entire album here.

— Jason Behrends / Comments (0)