Ninjas broke my apathy - Review Cphr Dvn's IX KUTZ! Return of the Ninja

Meet The Scene

Tuesday, 23 August 2011 19:56 Written by Dr Deep

Whoa what was that

Its not every day you see a African American couple dressed like ninjas, rapping about self empowerment, social justice and harmony with nature but that's just what you get with Cphr Dvn. As much as they break the rap hip hop mold they are able to hold true to it's aggression and sexuality. IX Kutz their experimental concept album delivers gut punching beats and intellectual lyricism that many local yokels can only dream of.

This was no accident

 There is a definite theme to the album. Many of the lines expose social atrocities in unapologetic detail paired with encouragement that hope is not dead and harmony is a level of compassion that can be achieved in this life despite the system of things. If you listen, you'll learn. Their delivery is as hard as any of the grimiest rappers out their and as sweet as warm honey. Wize, the male half of the duo, has a very direct blunt style of lyricism that is quick, powerful an to the point. Sultra the female counter part of the duo, has an amazing harmonic singing ability and a ruthless style of lyricism that's like a sharp poison tipped dagger. Her singing draws you in and her lyricism puts you away.

Sword, Dagger, Flower?

It's hard not to paint the picture of IX Kutz without using violent diction, its just the topical nature of their delivery. However their message comes through clearly, spirituality, harmony, self meditation can lead you to a meaningful existence. Really a beautiful way to cut through our natural walls of apathy and lead to the light of oneness with the self and the world. IX Kutz traverses some very deep philosophies.

Ear Infiltration

Much of the music is composed of Asian drums samples and melodic, yet triumphant horns pushing a head bobbing beat that grabs you and doesn't let go until your second or third listen through of the album. The beats set the mood for battle or a dim lit night of passion between destined lovers. The 4th track on the album III. TOH is a nine min journey through sound and self enlightenment something that is all too uncommon in modern music. The sound track perfectly compliments the lyricism. This is just one example of how the music sets the mood for a battle against the forces that would keep you subjugated, enslaved, and ignorant. V. KAI (Intuition) {Deja Vu} is a complimentary example of the raw sexual energy sewn throughout the album.

And now the 'yeah buts'

While this album is overall a hit there are several times where crazy reverb effects have been placed un-necessarily over Wize's vocals. This makes it extremely difficult to understand what he's saying, which is very frustrating when you know that something important is being said. Also there is not bright happy up beat or party type songs on the album, IX Kutz is all business. It works for this album, though I'd like to have heard at least on track that was just really bright like a rising sun but alas this is an all night album only.

But if you listen to nothing else on this track it should be VII. Retsu (Mastery of Time and Space) or I. rin (power). They are both excellent and have oddly catchy hooks that tie the verses together like a braid. Sultra's vocals are sublime on Retsu and is sure to make any of you fans. TOH (Harmony) the 9 min track is also a definite must hear as well. That beat is phenomenal.

Go Get It

Right now IX Kutz can be listened to in full and purchased in stores and from their Band camp for $10. You can show your unwavoring support on Cphr Dvns Facebook page.