Qwel & Kip Killagain

Spring represents new life, a new beginning, rebirth. The New Wine is the follow up to 2006’s Freezer Burner with Meaty Ogre and marks the third edition (Spring) in Qwel’s seasonal series. As is the case with each edition, Qwel pairs up with a different producer. This time out, Qwel enlists the talents of jungle/hip-hop producer, Kip Killagain. And like his two previous efforts in the series, the combination of solely one producer and one emcee yields strong results.

Long-time fans of Qwel will immediately notice that The New Wine is a musical departure from Qwel’s previous efforts, being provided a wide range of music to rhyme over. The album opens with “Adam & Eve,” a track featuring finger snaps, a soothing guitar loop and subtle sound effects that could easily be found in one of Kip’s jungle productions. Killagain sets himself apart from Qwel’s previous collaborators by utilizing the element of live instrumentation throughout the album. Nowhere is this more evident than on the track “Agape Rain.” The combination of the piano and violin create a beautiful classical piece for Qwel to rap over. In addition, Killagain successfully invokes the spirit of Spring very effectively. As a result, the album has, at times, an uplifting quality to it. “Starved Rock” is a great example with its flute loop atop break heavy drums.

Newcomers to Qwel might be thrown off by his thought provoking lyrics, but Kip Killagain helps make it a bit easier for listeners to delve into Qwel’s words. Whereas in past efforts the music seemed to overpower Qwel’s lyrics, this time out, Qwel’s words are at the forefront of the mix, thus providing better clarity and allowing the listener to fully engage in what the wordsmith has to say. The thunderous drums, accompanied by guitar strumming, on “Big Eyes” create the image of Qwel entering a procession and reciting his words of wisdom; commenting on society’s, as well as his own, consumption in our capitalist society. “I see the biggest thickest grapes on the table/ the sparkle halos my hunger/ it’s no wonder I just can’t help myself/ but what’s the rates on my fables/ the going fame for my name though/ or disable thy brother/ I can’t help myself.” Qwel also takes time out to have a bit of fun on the album and be creative in how he delivers his topics. “Bonita Bitrell” has Qwel playing the role of TV’s In Living Color sketch comedy character by the same name. “Internet Killed The Video Star” is a play on The Buggles ’80s hit “Video Killed The Radio Star”.

The combination of Qwel and Kip Kilagain makes The New Wine a cohesive and focused piece of work that is well worth delving into, whether it’s deciphering Qwel’s lyrics or appreciating the live instrumentation that is found throughout the course of the album. Not only is The New Wine the best in Qwel’s season-based series, but it is arguably Qwel’s best effort to date, amongst his already impressive and ever-expanding catalog.

Highlight Track: “Big Eyes”

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