iso

Rapper and songwriter iso has shared a new album called ECCE. The poetic, eclectic album spans fourteen cuts containing a gripping sound and potent lyrics that make ECCE as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. From jazzy, gritty beats that demonstrate his respect to old-school hip-hop, to experimental twists and emotive, multi-dimensional depth, ECCE boldly shows that he’s a man unafraid to say exactly what he wants to say, exactly how he wants to say it. Textural and raw, ECCE gives the listener an unfiltered view of iso's mind state and inner world, atop a series of poignant instrumentals that incorporate a variety of hip-hop styles and sounds.

ECCE contains a smorgasbord of sonics that contribute to a cohesive whole, coated in a grimy ambiance that gives the record a unique sheen. The staggering, atmospheric grooves of opener "OUT MY ZONE" set the tone and introduce iso's willingness to experiment, all the while keeping things infectious with its harmonious melodies and sharp flows. Songs like "RAPIO" and "LOCKED UP" make use of off-kilter drum lines that echo with intriguing layers, mooring the song's expansive, ruminating keys. The dry, ethereal soundscape present on "ECCE HOMO" gives this track a particularly thought-provoking feel, as iso shines as a vocalist with dynamic, weaving flows. The project closes on a warm, colorful note with "LIGHT", which contrasts the nocturnal feel of the preceding tracks with a feathery soundscape and bouncy, organic-sounding percussion underscoring iso and collaborator Intrex's elegant vocals.

ECCE is the latest from iso and it showcases a variety of flavors within hip-hop to make for a wide-ranging, versatile record that still stays true to iso's idiosyncratic style throughout. - Jacob Saltzburg