CD Review: Sonicbloom - Paradigm Life

Sonicbloom - Paradigm Lift
2008, CFO Recordings

Sonicbloom is a collective of 5 artists who trade off roles as songwriter, singer, beat maker, producer and MC. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sonicbloom keeps it real while keeping it clean, not relying on the effect of controversial words and phrases but rather on linguistically and lyrically thought provoking poetry Sonicbloom's second release, Paradigm Lift, seeks to break out of some of the negative stereotypes surrounding hip-hop/rap by using thoughts, words and ideas to challenge, educate and entertain listeners.

Sonicbloom stays positive throughout Paradigm Lift, choosing to rise above Hip-Hop stereotypes with poetry that is at times cerebral, witty, lyric and coarse. Even where the language may incur a Parental Advisory sticker, it is more a natural part of the poetic flow rather than a flagrant attempt to shock or disturb. Highlights include Firewalk, IMBY (In My Backyard), Extra Extra, Nightcrawlers and Feels Good. Firewalk is the song here most likely to make it in the dance clubs, but every song here is expertly produced, creating a wall of sound sort of tableau for the hip-hop world. There is a definite freestyle vibe here, and Old Skool influences mix with trip-hop beats to border on the creation of a new tableau in the Hip-Hop world.

Paradigm Lift is a refreshing mix of old and new, focusing on ideas and rhymes rather than stereotypes and marketing images. This is one of the most original and unique Hip Hop projects I've reviewed, and deserves all sorts of attention. Sonicbloom has utilized the unique mix of talents it encompasses to create a collection that is nothing short of genius.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Sonicbloom at www.myspace.com/sonicbloom or at www.cforecordings.com. You can purchase a copy of Paradigm Lift at www.cdbaby.com/cd/sonicbloom2.