This is the surprising fourth extended show for New York abstract hip-hop super duo Lice. Formed by Aesop Rock and Homeboy Sandman, two highly regarded wordsmiths in their respective fields, they will make their self-titled debut in fall 2015 under Stones Throw Records, with sequel Still Buggin’ following a year later via Rhymesayers Entertainment. Next summer, they will release their last EP “Triple Fat Lice” and make a comeback with the launch of the fourth season of “Miami Lice”.
“Who Sent You?” opens with the pair spitting abstract verses on the bass guitar of Aesop Rock himself, while “Uh-Oh” features booming BAP-line instrumentals, with some samples talking about the muzzle-warm warmth of those who say they don’t want trouble. “Moving Day” puts the kick and snare back on the hook so the pair can get into abstract hardcore for a few minutes, before moving into “Burnt Mauve” where they trade mics back and forth between each other.
To keep things going for the other half of the EP, “The 1” embraces a funkier boom-bap vibe, talking about the artists they’re known for, while “Homework” replaces the funk elements with electronic music, suggesting everyone research them if they don’t know who they’re fucking right now. “The Burgers” puts a more conscious spin on the abstract brushwork that defines their overall style, while “Evolution” is all about an experimental drum-less note that talks about good and bad days.
I’m already looking forward to Elucid’s upcoming fifth album, and while the Rhymesayers’ debut I Guess U Had to Be There is due out this weekend, produced by Sebb Bash, Miami Lice have reunited Homeboy Sandman and Aesop Rock after nine years of focusing on their own EP solo efforts, and I’ve been hoping they’d make this EP since they formed. Considering how experimental I Heard It’s a Mess There Too was last Halloween, it was a smart move for Aesop to take sole responsibility for the film, meticulously scoring their abstract synergy.
Rating: 9/10
