Gangrene is a West Coast host/producer duo consisting of The Alchemist and Oh No. However, over the past 15 years, they have released a total of 3 full albums and several EPs. However, nearly a decade after the Mass Appeal Records-backed You Disgust Me, they have finally reunited for their long-awaited fourth LP.
“Congratulations, You Lose” is a dirty opener produced by Oh No that talks about how no animals are safe here, while “Dinosaur Jr.” is about how no animals are safe here. The Alchemist is found completely stripping away the drum, comparing himself to a giant prehistoric Tyrannosaurus Rex. The only single from the album, “Oxnard Water Torture,” crudely discusses the gang’s return, and it’s not the same drip, but then “The Gates of Hell” featuring LORDY (né ANKHLEJOHN) plays on those heavy pianos , talk about exposing all these sorry bastards here.
From there, “Cloud Surfing” incorporates some woodwinds, likening themselves to the Wright Brothers of hip-hop, before segueing into “Espionage” after the “Free Money” interlude, continuing the drum-less vibe and boasting that their tastes are individually classified, Their rings are like Christmas tree ornaments. “Magic Dust” featuring Evidence puts those ominous chords into the picture and talks about doing the dirty work, and you can before the synth-driven “Watch Out” continues lyrically into their hardcore package. Take their way.
“Just Doing Art” featuring Boldy James once again strips away the drums, defending themselves as they smear your blood and body onto the canvas, while the song “You Should Join the Army” dances on a triumphant clarion call asking Who the hell wants anything. “Royal Hand” from Flying High 2 becomes the penultimate track, and finally, the jangly and sumptuous “Muffler Lung” closes out Gangrene’s first album in nine years, with both men classifying the way they spit as classic.
When you think about the gap between this new record and their last, it’s clear that Gangrene are back as if they never took a break from the beginning. The main hardcore stylings of You Disgust Me with additional elements of jazz rap and abstract lyricism are all present on the new record, except they also add a touch of drumless to the sound. Another valuable detail about “Heads I Win, Tails You Lose” is that it’s noticeably darker and more mysterious than most of Gangrene’s previous material.
Score: 8/10
