Search - Defyant Alliance :: Little Steps, Big Moves

Not mainstream. And that's a GOOD thing.

Chucktown | Charleston, SC | 12/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I picked up Defyant Alliance's "Little Steps, Big Moves" while looking for something "different."



Let me start by saying that I am a fan of all genres...but only the "good stuff." This means that I am sometimes forced to bypass popular radio and MTV because much of what is being churned out and labeled as music these days is so formulaic and safe that it's worth little more than ambient music. That's what happens when music is whittled down to a formula. There are exceptions, of course. Even in hip-hop. But they are entirely too few and far between.



But I digress...



Upon first listen, "Little Steps, Big Moves" I didn't warm up to the album very quickly. There are catchy beats and it's certainly melodic, but it wasn't as approachable...as juvenile...as many albums try to be. After a few more listens, I became aware of why that is.



There's a lot going on here!



First of all, the subject matter of each song is incredibly diverse. Some are light-hearted, funny, and even sophomoric...while others are incredibly deep and - dare I say it? - profound.



Thought went into these songs. Lots of thought.



I found myself actively listening to each song just to hear what they had to say next. The wit in the lyrics combined with the carefully-crafted juxtaposition of melodies does more than simply make you bob your head. It creates a mood. Good music does that.



Secondly, the way that Dust-D and K-Chill feed off of each other throughout each track is nothing short of awesome. These guys are extremely talented, yes. But there is more to it than just talent. You are left without a doubt in your mind that these guys actually like performing with one another and take great care in bobbing and weaving around each other. The synergy that is created is something that doesn't shine through in many artists' work even once, let alone throughout an entire album. Bravo, guys.



Finally, I wouldn't do this album (or this review) any justice if I didn't mention the outright humor that is hidden in the lyrics. It is said that it takes a truly intelligent individual to tell a story well and an outright genius to make you laugh all the way through it. These guys accomplish all of this and make it look easy.



I know that many acts' first albums often-times represent the best of what a group has to offer. This is because the songs on their first albums are more real - they were crafted during the years before the "mega music machine" got a hold of the artists. They were made before the artist had a deadline. They were made when the artist wanted nothing more to make music.



So, knowing that this trend is often the norm, I am often hesitant to look forward to new work by "surprise" artists that I really like. This may seem ridiculous to some, but when I really dig a group's first album, it really is a let-down when their later works just aren't up to par.



But I'm not worried about this with Defyant Alliance. I can honestly say that I cannot wait to see what Dust-D and company has to say next. These guys are at no loss for words in any way, shape or form. It's evident that they have a lot to say.



Grab this album if you're a music lover. Give it a listen. Then listen to it again. I have no doubt that you will find everything I have said above and more as accurate. You will like this album. End of story."

Hip Hop for Grown Ups

VivaV | 07/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Melodious hip hop, I thought that was an oxymoron. This does it though, and adds politics into the mix. This is a great first album."