Antiheroes - Powdered Water [Single]

Blah Records

If anyone has read my previous reviews or is generally familiar with the UK hip-hop of Hock Tu Down, then they may also have heard of Antiheroes. They are a side project under the same record label of Blah Records, once again fronted by Lee Scott but his co-conspirator is MC Salar. “Powdered Water” is their latest single released on digital download. It was back in 2003 (when the two heroes were only 17 and 18yrs old) that they last released some material in the form of a mix-tape entitled Middle Finger Salute. This became an underground hit gaining critical acclaim amongst publications including single of the month in Black Echo’s magazine. And so a return for the Heroes was on the cards and “Powdered Water” is their come-back single as it were.

Producer, Reklews (of Hock Tu Down) is behind the mixing desk as well as Swiss producer Molotov. The track introduces the familiar clean and sharp beats, with slightly creepy but fitting samples to break the ice. A guitar/bass note is idly plucked throughout, bringing an almost American-blues-deep-south sound to the mix. The bending of the notes with a slider is used to great effect, altering the pitch and adding a great back-bone to the laid-back, but fiery lyrics. “I raise hell but I am now busy dragging you down with me” recites Mr Scott, on form and letting loose with his honest and brutal judgements.

About a minute into the track we are introduced to Salar, although his tone and delivery sounds very similar to Lee. It’s not until I view the track’s music video, that the tag-team change becomes clear. So a smooth transition into the second half brings more heated and intense lyrics, “...you’re headless, chilling in an execution posture...” and Salar is quick but tight against the continuous pounding rhythm. The mentioned accompanying video with its dilapidated brick, graffiti-laced buildings and eerie, expansive cornfields suits the mood of the track well and is definitely the best way to experience this fairly short but hot-blooded track.

As part of the single bundle, you also receive a b-side called “Buy, Install” which has the attitude of a rhino wading through a muddy marsh, keeping his eyes fixed firmly on the kill. Electronic digital sound samples whimper against a simple but sturdy bassline and punchy beats as Lee takes to the mic once more, “wise up, take your time, leave the day behind or say your line, keep your eyes shut and pay the fine”. It’s another example of what his style of rapping is; blunt and undeviating, saying exactly how he feels about this corrupted world, his part in it and giving his opinions with not a stutter in sight. And there’s more lyrical frenzy when Salar takes his turn, “...yes I’m Iranian, got this shit locked down like straight, British navy men” is just one of many direct and raw views that emerge. The track fades out with some impressive disc scratching; however “Powdered Water” is the highlight here. It’s not overly technical or complicated but the production is top-notch as are the lyrics and the way in which they are cunningly delivered, which all combine to help make up for the lack of instrumentation. The UK hip-hop scene is secure with the Liverpudlian lads.