And$um has returned with a new EP. Made up of six tracks, this is yet another collection of songs that demonstrate the sound Sam brings to this project. The selection of beats are varied and tasty, provided a solid backdrop where his rapping style works perfectly.
On the opening track Busy On A Wednesday, the Rhodes and bass hold this chill vibe as the lyrics question ‘busy on a Wednesday?’. I thoroughly enjoyed this track.
With a few artists featured on the EP, it’s great to hear others contribute to the sound of And$um. At its core, it’s a mix between multiple styles of hip-hop and rap and yet still remains completely accessible. With features from Candice Miller, Hybrid Rose and Laura Lee, these features truly add something to the tracks.
One of the turning points is the fourth track when it changes up and has more of an urban beat and feel to it. Time is probably one of the greatest tracks here. When Laura’s voice comes in just at the right time, it really helps drive the narrative and feel of the track. Excellent writing here.
And talking about mix of styles, the guitar in Feel The Same sounds awesome and again changes the vibes around. What I appreciate with And$um is his attention to detail and how to approach the beats he uses for his tracks. Hybrid Rose’s contribution, again like others, is perfect and sounds fantastic.
Closing up with the final track Spend Some Time, the EP is a great six tracks that further add to his catalogue of music available online.
Highly recommended, I suggest you get some headphones on and listen from beginning to end.
Related Acts:
More by Ben Ruegg
EP Review: Reflections
Album Review: Ngā Pounamu
Album Review: Hotwire Babylon
EP Review: Bluesrappin’
Album Review: Tiger In The River
Event Review: Aotearoa Music Awards 2024
Album Review: Between The Brave, Bold and Given Up
Morning Sky
Single Review: Self Respect
EP Review: Metahuman
Single Review: Mentality
Album Review: Kingdom Come
