- Music Vs Physics are the trio of Bec Charlsworth (Beatrix), Joseph Brady (3rd Dek) and Morgan Fayle (Gonz), based in North Fitzroy, Melbourne. “Oblong Data” marks the group’s third album, following on from the downbeat/ instrumental hip hop of “Northside Perspective” and filmic soundscape of “_Underscore”.
This album is made up of rewired sampled beats, orchestral arrangements and layered vocals. My first impressions of Music Vs Physics were that they were like a hip hop version of Architecture in Helsinki though lacking their twee charm and kooky character. AIH either grab your heart or piss you off with their twee sound. I’m afraid this effort by Music Vs Physics did neither for me. The album is only halfway there in terms of the music.
I loved the orchestral elements with violins, piano and accordion (sucker for it in fact), the vocals of 3rd Dek and Beatrix rhyming together or Beatrix singing, and while the scratching on “Camcorder” and “Oblong Data” gaving the album a much needed boost. Overall though this album was lacking in the production values and beats I look for in hip hop. Great arrangements and intricate vocals can only go so far. It’s the beats that get you into the groove and drive the whole song.
Music Vs Physics have a great reputation for their live shows and listening to the rock tinged “And Let Words Rest” I’m sure it’s well deserved. This track has more energy that any other on the album. Standout tracks for me were “Oblong Data”, “Love is a 256 Colour Word”, the beat-worthy “# FFFFFF” and scratchfest of “Camcorder”.
This group have a unique sound with their experimental hip hop and are definitely doing their own thing in the world of hip hop. Here’s hoping they build upon their strengths and improve their weaknesses with their next release.
Tracklisting
1. Intro
2. Oblong Data
3. Love is a 256 Colour Word
4. Letters & Words
5. Sooner or Later
6. Maniac Miner
7. Sediment
8. #FFFFFF
9. Handmade by Machine
10. Dot to Dot
11. No Strings Attached
12. Scurrilous Verse
13. Two-Up
14. Human Pride
15. Cartesian Camcorder
16. Support Slot Blues
17. And Let Words Rest