ARCANE "Groundwork" Review

[GrinsARCANE]

Arcane is under the ground with 'Groundwork'
By Pablo Paz, New Mexican (Santa Fe)

Independent and underground hip-hop has produced several names, that I wouldn't say are household, but are well known, such as Atmosphere, Aesop Rock and Del the Funky Homosapien. But what do you get when you reach a little bit further beneath the surface?

Looking hard enough one might come across the Independent group Arcane. The have a surprisingly professional sound on their debut album, Groundwork, which in my ears draws comparisons to the CunninLynguists, Eminem, and Atmosphere's Slug.

The group has a rare sense of awareness and humor, a combination not found often in mainstream artists. The awareness is shown first on the track "BiPolar", which has a catchy hook ending with the piercing line, "I wanna live 'till the day I die." You see the same type of awareness on the track "Absence of Motive?", which brings up the tough subject of HIV/AIDS... in a
hip-hop song. 'Nuff said.

Their humor is unmistakable on the track, "Bush". I'm going to leave that one for you to hear on your own, it's just "totally sloppy".

Groundwork provides you with several good tracks that rival any other good cuts in all of hip-hop. "Got Me" and the hidden track following "Lace 'Em Up" are definitely some of the highest points on this album. Also, the track "For Fathers That Bothered" has production and flow fir for just about
anybody, no joke.

Another intoxicating tune, "Stooping It", is an ode to a good time, a track we can all enjoy in the car or at the crib.

Let me give you a little background on the group. They have rocked shows
with the likes of Method Man, M.O.P., Slick Rick, Digital Underground and Pharoahe Monch, as well as making appearances in two consecutive Vans Warped Tours. Needless to say, they aren't quite as underground as one might think.

This group's sound revolves around their DJ, the amazingly talented DJ JE, and their production, the majority of which is credited to group member JB. Together Arcane creates great music that never really gets old.

Arcane takes this album seriously, for the most, and overall there are no real weak spots on the album. If these guys sound like your type by any chance, then give them a listen, I am willing to to be you will find their music enjoyable.

On a flow scale of 5, Groundwork recieves a 4; cop it.

Groundwork is available locally at FYE and on the group's website,
www.arcanemusic.com.

[seak]

and we are supposed to think your group is dope???

ha


ha

haa

[aueu]

actually i thougt a couple of the mp3s on the site were not bad, bipolar was good.

[complete]

Originally posted by seak247
and we are supposed to think your group is dope???

ha


ha

haa

their doper than your graffiti. thats for sure. wit cho toy ass shit.

[GrinsARCANE]

Aueu thanks for checking out the site. We are working pretty hard to get things moving. Bipolar actually was the first single we put out to radio and it did real well for us. We are building, slowly but surely. We are going to be out touring again this fall, not sure where you reside but, we should wind up somewhere near you shortly.

NoN Fruitcake, see you cats soon and good looks on the backups.

Peace

[deejaysteelo]

im feelin it... im feelin it.

[GrinsARCANE]

Steelo,

My server is acting up, I will send you my contact as soon as its rectified. Could be as early as tonight. Thanks again.