Irish hip-hop collective narolane are making waves with latest single ‘Rent Free.’
Compiling the impactful voices of Denise Chaila, MuRli, and God Knows, the trio form a refreshing take on rap and spoken word, pushing to leave their mark across contemporary society.
Each solidified in their respective lanes of production and performance, an urgency for change weaves the three together, merging a list of influences that ranges from Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, and Brenda Fassie.
‘Rent Free’ calls for a lo-fi fuzz in its production, incorporating jazzy percussion and a subdued bassline. Across its verses, the pace progresses and evolves, unafraid to shift from the more melodic to the hard-hitting and racing. Reaching its climax with haunting sirens and chants, it is a punchy backdrop that sees Chaila reminding her listener “I am a noun, not an object in every sentence.” Motivated in their writing and message, each verse opts for a new flow and approach.
The single anticipates their EP ‘Walk,’ detailing their individual journeys of growth. Brought together in 2018 at a bible class, narolane prioritise the sentiments of joy and liberation through their work, whilst reflecting on their distinctive upbringings. Denise comments: “We’re born in a particular place, our family is Black and so are we. We call ourselves Irish because we are, we are also individuals. It needs to be complicated.”
God Knows adds, “Narolane is about giving people another option.”
Encouraging its peers to use their art forms in more impactful and thought-provoking ways, ‘Rent Free’ steers the focus of hip-hop back to its foundations.
Tune in now.
Words: Ana Lamond
