Album Review: ISHU - Hand Made

Hand Made is the second record from Melbourne based producer ISHU, who broke onto the scene in 2010 with his A World in Progress full-length debut. ...Progress was a reggae influenced hip hop album chock full of guest vocalists held together by ISHU's consistent groove, so how does his follow up compare? The better tracks, such as opener El Gato, sound like they'd be right at home on Mo' Wax compilations from the mid '90s. The classic beat driven, relaxed trip hop sound is hardly the freshest groove about, but ISHU does it damn well.

The title of the album turns out to be very appropriate, as many of the tunes do indeed feel particularly crafted. A handmade approach to the samples and instrumentation is obvious, and the results are cohesive and enjoyable. The album's problem, however, is the vocal party. None of the guest rappers and soul singers phone in their performances. Some, such as Mighty Joe on lead single Way To Go, elevate the song to a higher level, but the sheer amount of them is staggering. There's hardly 10 minutes of pure instrumental music to be had and even on a 33-minute album this seems unfair. It wouldn't be such a complaint if ISHU's production wasn't so enjoyable on its own. The amount of guest stars also removes the feeling of the album being author driven, coming across like a mix tape more than a solo album.

ISHU has a terrific ear for relaxed and groovy production; it's just a shame we don't get a chance to hear more of him.