June 8th - NO HANDS (Joey Valence and Brae)

3.5/5

Stylistically, JVB has always been influenced by hip hop, often compared to the likes of Beastie Boys and Wu-Tang Clan , but No Hands steps into something more alternative, blending electronic aspects with more traditional hip hop and r&b, especially with the amount of talented features such as Danny Brown and Z-Trip.

My first thought upon a full listen of NO HANDS is that there's a similarity to the work of Machine Girl (particularly the Neon White soundtrack), complimenting more traditional instrumentals with rave-like drum breakdowns that ramp up the energy in what can be relatively low tempo songs. (Whether JVB were actually influenced by Machine Girl or just similar electronic/rave artists that Machine Girl also draws from is up to interpretation.)

Additionally, Joey's production on the backing tracks has become less repetetive and more instrumentally varied, pulling in horns, saxophones, and pianos, while still keeping consistent steady beats for his and Brae's vocals to really shine. Most songs still have that classic alt hip hop JVB flair, with distinctive sound effects and referential lyrics, but they are clearly more structured from their early days on The Underground Sound, while bringing in more r&b elements compared to the rap rock vibe of PUNK TACTICS.

While I wouldn't call NO HANDS my favorite album from them by any means, there isn't a single bad song on the tracklist, a tradition JVB has kept from day one. They keep dropping bangers, and I am perfectly happy to listen.

Favorite songs: LIKE A PUNK, THE BADDEST, WHAT U NEED