HW – Wall Papered
Exit Wounds
Here it
is, another day at this lame temp job and another sorry excuse for a review…
Wall Papered Exit Wounds, released by HW (aka
Josh, formerly known as Hazardous Waste, but not the punk band) of Boston in
July 2012 is produced by MobRobb with cuts by DJ Emoh Bettah is a release that
will stand of the test of time and be relevant to people (and not just ‘rap fan
people’ everyone can find something in the release) because each of the song
topics are something that all listeners are able to relate to regardless what
age or social status they’re living in. From relationship troubles, to feeling
like everywhere else on earth is better than where you are (This Old Town), to
dealing with your own internal struggles, and more all of which are mentioned
during the duration of this coming to age 8 track album by HW.
1.)
Memories of Linwood
The album starts off with an overtly personal song over a
cool calm beat with a flow so smooth and subtle you almost don’t notice how
depressing the track is. And even more depressing than the song topic is
beating able to relate to it, from the breakup at the beginning of the track to
being 25 and still feeling lost.
2.)
Blueprints to Your Inner Workings
Track two elaborates on the (presumably) breakup that was
mentioned in the first track. From what I grasp the female the song is about is
jaded, but HW refuses to let her give up on all the potential beauty in the
world, and thinks that she can find again in the love they use to have. What a
nice guy, I’d never do that, I’ll never be happy for any of my ex’s without me.
(I have no idea what I used this photo. Not that it isn't him, but it's a pretty bad representation of what he normally looks like)
3.)
Brutally Beautiful
Brutally Beautiful is a little me of the “emo-rap” that fans
have grown to expect from HW. But as usual it’s done way to good (should I have
used ‘well’ here?) to be slumped into that category. Josh is such a better lyricist
than most other emcees that get labeled as “emo” it’s an insult to even put him
in the same sub-genre as them, he’s more so a great story tell (even though the
stories aren’t always true) than a winey heartbroken mc.
4.)
Hello Stranger
This is another incredibly personal story by HW. Even to the
point where he mentions his muse, Mellissa by name. Perhaps Mellissa is to HW
what Lucy Ford is to Atmosphere, only except I don’t think Lucy Ford is “her”
real name, but I’m willing to bet Mellissa is. HW must have balls of steel to
not only write this “emo-song” and not only share it with the person it’s
written about, but everyone who listens to his cd! There are more awesome cuts on
this track by Emoh.
5.)
Moving On feat. Sarah Lynn Bowler
The only feature on this rap cd isn’t by a rapper. This is another
reason HW is appealing to more than just rap fans. Sarah Lynn Bowler sings the
hook in ‘Moving On’ over a soft jazzy beat with relaxing bass lines, piano, and
horns scattered here and there.
6.)
Faded Memories
If you’ve seen HW live chances are you’ve seen him perform
this song. Also, it’s funny to hear him
make reference to “surviving on lunch meat” in this song now he’s a vegetarian.
Supposedly this cd was done almost a year before it was released.
7.)
Insecurities
Not every rapper can do a song about not being promiscuous.
In fact most cats rap about the exact opposite, boasting about humping out
girls with no sentimental attachment at all. So hearing HW do a track like this
is a total breathe of fresh air.
8.)
This Old Town
‘This Old Town’ is an ode to boring hometowns. In the song Josh realizes
the importance in in recognizing your roots, and pays homage to Fall River in
this track even though he resides in Boston (well Cambridge, but whatever) now.
Wow, I’m terrible at writing reviews.
