Doublethink

1984, George Orwell's hellish vision of a dystopian future, has provided the inspiration for North London rapper Akala's third album, Doublethink. Basing a whole record on Big Brother's brainwashed surveillance society is not exactly a new concept — everyone from David Bowie and Muse to Trent Reznor and Fear Factory have plundered its twisted ideals in the past. Yet, Akala has tried to accomplish something none of these artists ever dared — blending classical music, trance, rock, grime and hip-hop into a cohesive whole.

Setting the scene with a disorienting, sinister intro courtesy of polyglot jazz and classical pianist/composer pianist Paul Gladstone Reid, Akala's followup to 2008's Freedom Lasso plunges into action with the ominous sub bass crackle of "Welcome to Dystopia," a song that packs a distorted menace reminiscent of Company Flow's "Collude/Intrude." Over the top of its discordant rock structure and slow dubsteppy beats, the 27-year-old Akala begins his Orwellian tale, throwing in lines such as "Sometimes I feel like I'm losing my mind" and "Follow the truth only when it's convenient," before whipping himself into a frenzy for the chanted chorus of "Conform! Obey! Transform! Sleep Easy!" It's a moment that would make demented punk collagist… read more »