Slowthai’s vibrant debut album is fueled by aggression and honesty. Nothing Great About Britain tells of political divides and forgotten communities that Slowthai is set on shedding light on.
I first heard of Slowthai when he featured of Mura Masa’s newest album and it seems since that moment I see him everywhere. He was honoured at the 2020 NME music awards with the fans choice ‘Hero of the Year’ title and although this debut is a year old now, it is still a pretty prominent feature on many music publications. Tyron Frampton, is undoubtedly an interesting person. He is bold in his statements and boisterous in his stage presence. When watching his interviews, you’ll notice his constant infectious grin when he talks. From his seemingly happy-go-lucky demeanour comes a darker reality with his debut album. Frampton candidly portrays his difficulties throughout childhood in the grips of the welfare state in Northampton. The town being a main feature of this album. From the cover alone, I am aware of the conversation that Slowthai wished to stir with its release. And once you find out it was initially planned for release nearer 2016’s Brexit announcement, you see the angle he is working. Presenting himself naked in an old pillory, he’s anticipating criticism with a welcome grin.
Looking at published reviews of this album, the overall rating is exceedingly high. NME giving it four stars and Pitchfork giving an 8.4 on their scale. It’s an album celebrated for it’s honesty and it’s ability to reveal a layer of British class dynamics that isn’t challenged enough. Slowthai embarks on his quest of sticking two fingers up to the oppressive patriarchal systems that have done nothing to benefit him or his family. A notion that many feel even more so since the Brexit catalyst.
The album appropriately starts with the title track introducing the tone. He even addresses Queen Elizabeth II directly at the end asking for mutual respect before calling her a C**t. If that doesn’t hail to the same punk legends of the 70’s, then I don’t know what is. As you continue through this album, Slowthai continues his rampage and venomous lyrics to call out injustices against.
What’s very distinctive throughout this album, is the vulnerability he willingly shows. At the end of ‘Gorgeous,’ a voice note captures a conversation where he tells of a time where his step dad took him to football match with the impression he had the tickets already, but the reality being that they spent half the match trying to score some outside the venue. These voice recordings that are sprinkled throughout the album add an interesting touch, it turns the LP into more than just a collection of songs but a narrative in which Slowthai takes you through the streets of Northampton.
There’s a lot to unpack on this album, it’s difficult to pinpoint a genre for it or certain influences without reducing it to cliche comparisons. I have to say that listening to Slowthai’s raps feels similar to Mike Skinner of The Streets who paved the way for more inventive grime/garage sounds in the U.K. Frampton also mentions Tyler, the Creator as a pioneer of experimental beats and for breaking rap conventions. Slowthai represents a new wave of punk rap sounds which play dirty enough for mainstream to pay attention. He welcomes controversy and uses that to drive his goal, his goal which I believe is to be more than what is expected of him because of where he came from or what he looks like. Slowthai represents a new Britain.
An overall exciting album, one filled with energy and passion to the point that you can help but match the tempo.
saharamelts 