Louder by The 29th Chapter

Reviewed by Steve Hayes

If you've been off the planet recently, The 29th Chapter comprise four London MCs - Mr Prince, Navigator, McGladius and Phonetix. Aside from their own tunes they've guested on albums from Tim Hughes and Soul Survivor. This seven track EP matches their skills and smooth insightful flow with catchy, accessible tunes and hooks. This flava is aptly demonstrated in the pop-infused, radio-friendly lead track "Radio" as they spread God's music with hope to play in the cars and bars, for the youths finding life hard. This powerful message and music continues in the inspirational "Louder", a song of pure worship as the rappers proclaim that nothing can hold them down. "Get Strong" rolls to a grooving 4/4 beat as they fight to stay strong in life's struggles. Another rolling, worship-filled track with vocoded hooks is "So Good" as The 29th Chapter praise God. The guys challenge young guys to change and put the street attitudes behind them in "Man Up" - a cry to the male community not to waste their life but be real men. "The Trenches" is an impassioned plea to the streets they compare to trenches, lamenting all the lives lost - "All the king's horses and all the king's men, couldn't put these families back together again." The MCs and those promoting violence and filth with weak, same-old rap are put to the sword in "Fallout" - with The 29th Chapter prophesying the revolution of Godly change. One of the best releases of the year.