Ollie McLean - EP Review: Bluesrappin'
Ollie McLean's debut EP Bluesrappin' is quite the experience. Recorded and produced by his friend, Ollie who is only 21 brings a sound that reminds me of a cross between old school Beck and Beastie Boys. Yet driving this all is the sound of the Harmonica. Ollie states that he is a weapon of Harmonica playing and rapping. This is evident all over the EP, with every track a combination of the two in a unique style that sits comfortably in a genre of its own in some way. Or it is what happens when two genres crossover and meet up. Either way, it’s this element that I consider to be the backbone of the EP.
While Ollie's MC skills and lyrics are excellent quality (a nod to the production here with his voice), it’s the overall package from start to finish that shows the sort of laser focus Ollie and his producer Regan McIntyre had with the direction and image. Even the cover image seems rundown in a way that suits the style and aesthetic. Apparently after having read his bio, Ollie used to be the greatest saxophone player in the world but decided to learn the harmonica instead because it’s easier.
Opening with Up Jumped The Devil, this track sets the tone with its harmonica laden beats that as I mentioned draw from influences mentioned previously. Whether those influences were intentional or that’s just how I hear it, I feel that this set of songs would appeal to an audience that want a visceral listening experience. And while the opening track is one of the longest, the rest of the songs are on the shorter side but that does not mean they let up. Each track focuses on a different harmonica sound. What surprised me most was the final track which is labelled as a bonus track. Here we get a completely different sound with a more gentle approach.
A stand out track which I’m sure all will enjoy is Killing Chickens On Da Farm (Here Chooky). I will leave you all to have a listen to that one along with the EP in your own time. I recommend a walk around a nice park with headphones while doing so. Quite the listening experience!
About Ollie McLean
"Outstanding. I love listening to this guy when I huff gasoline outside Pak 'n' Save".
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Ollie McLean
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