A new signing for legendary UK hip hop label Big Dada, Speech Debelle has delivered her debut album in fine style. Travelling to Melbourne to work with Wayne Lotek of Lotek Hi-Fi, who has relocated there, and Plutonic Lab of Muph & Plutonic fame, on the production duties. Seeming to be an Australian affair, but retaining that UK edge arising from Britains post-grime era. Wayne Lotek completed most of the production, enlisting local musicians he’s met along the way, while Plutonic Lab produced The Key and Better Days, Lotek working on the editing and mixing while Speech returned to the UK.
Upon her return she approached fellow vocalists and musicians to contribute to the album. Roots Manuva wrote and sung a chorus for Wheels In Motion, giving a melancholy edge, Micachu was guest on Better Days. Mike Lindsay from future folkists Tunng heard the demo’s, becoming heavily involved with the tracks Spinnin and Love & Learn. Sometime collaborator Dread Keys created an acoustic slow burner that became Go, Then, Bye. Speech has added her very personal style to her lyrics, taking personal events, stories, heart breaks, humour and soul searching to create a rich lyrical content, she is wearing her heart on her sleeve.
Speech Debelle has alot to say, and its worth listening because of the honesty and sincereity you can hear in her voice. One of the most interesting releases on Big Dada for some time.
Wayne Stronell
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