Grime pioneer LETHAL BIZZLE’s back-to-basics return is short but sweet

LETHAL BIZZLE

Lethal B vs Lethal Bizzle (Skint Gang)

For someone who, in hindsight, was fairly pioneering in grime’s evolution (hit singles as part of More Fire Crew; opening up pits with his definitive Pow!), Lethal Bizzle has ended up with a sort of neither-fish-nor-fowl image. One of the old skool but without that august elder status; a history of trying to wriggle into demographics like metal and house that didn’t really land. His last album was in 2009, with this latest release, Lethal B vs. Lethal Bizzle, comprising seven mostly short tracks and an interlude – you might end up hungry for more, though, because it’s a lot of fun.

Lyrically and musically a bit more contemplative than Bizzle’s 00s ragers, with slowed-down beats and synthesised strings and woodwind, single Dapper Dan features both a reggae-derived hook and a guest spot from road rap survivor Giggs. On a more upfront tip, there’s the belligerent, Pow!-referencing Practise Hours and the eyebrow-raising rhyme of “groceries” and “ovaries” on If The Shoe Fits.

words NOEL GARDNER