+nobodyknows - Hero's Come Back

+nobodyknows is a big group. '5MCs and 1DJ' is what they call themselves, and it is easy to lose track with the number and variety of voices. They seem to vary between Orange Range styled rap-rock and Ketsumeishi hip hop, and this single keeps up this rather schizophrenic trend.

Hero's Come Back is rap in the Orange Range style with an addictive electric-guitar rock riff powering the melody. This melody though takes a back seat to the rapping of the vocalists. The lower vocals might be a bit of a shock to new listeners - it's harsh and gravelly sounding but, perhaps thankfully for some, he is followed by one of the smoother MCs. The pace of the vocals with the accompanying melody sounds a bit too unrelenting at times, as if it is thundering through to reach the end as fast as it can. This is likely to maintain interest throughout but a short let up in pace would have been nice. That aside however this is a good track in the style of rap/singing/rock.

The introduction to Ca Latte is a little disconcerting with strange, spooky synth vocal sounds that morphs into a more laid back +nobodyknows experience than the first song. The rapping, this time without the attempt to rap/sing, is still at breakneck pace but the experimental jazz melody calms the song down and creates an interesting, funky lounge-feel to the song. The end result is really something rather cool that has an almost Rip Slyme vibe and is the most interesting and accomplished song on the single.

The final track is Oh Happy Days. No this isn't a cover of that perky Sister Act song, so breathe a sigh of relief. Instead +nobodyknows has created a chilled hip hop track using female vocals in addition to the rap. This rap is much slower and adds to the general summertime nights ambience. The lower voiced rapper is not as noticeable - he wouldn't suit the song to be honest - and it fits well to follow the experimental Ca Latte.

The final track is an instrumental for Hero's Come Back. The back track itself is pretty cool but as with many back tracks it soon becomes repetitive. Perhaps someone wants a real challenge for karaoke?

This trend of the title track being the weakest song that seems to be appearing recently continues here. Neither Ca Latte nor Oh Happy Days sound like A-side singles but they are generally much more pleasant to listen to than Hero's Come Back. Ca Latte is a good song but may not be enough to carry the entire single on its own.