Album Review: Illy - Cinematic

It's not hard to hear why Illy called his fourth album Cinematic. From the moment play is pushed, the production lends itself more to a Hollywood blockbuster than it does an Aussie hip hop record. Opening Nights is the 'opening credits', with the fluffy strings and widescreen drum fills introducing the album while Illy spits the update – a new record on his own new label and the benefits of such. One For The City ups the ante, continuing the epic drum fills (which, frankly will never get old) along with a hook from Thomas Jules, while the subsequent double assault of singles shows fodder not simply churned out for radio – Youngbloods features The Amity Affliction's Ahren Stringer in a successful melding of the two's genres, while, in contrast, On & On is as breezy and, alongside the hooky as sin Tightrope, as pop as the record gets. Hilltop Hoods, Kira Puru, Daniel Merriweather and Drapht also guest star throughout, never stealing the lead role but certainly providing Oscar-winning support nonetheless.

Cinematic is as outright impressive as it is ambitious, which is certainly not something that is easy to be within the constraints of Aussie hip hop. The concept is touched on enough that it doesn't take over the album, but the aesthetic sits with you throughout. Illy pulls off his lead role effortlessly, guiding the entire project with the style and class we've come to expect from the MC, but seemingly with a new zest that breathes fresh air into what he does.