After many a year spent in the musical wilderness, infamous grime collective Nu Brand Flexxx are back with a psychedelic 8-track EP. Formed back in 2004 and fondly remembered for their energetic, humorous take on life and music, the crews' ethos has remained consistent, despite various member upheavals. Unlike most, they efuse to take themselves too seriously and their music, although at times a little overly topical, is all the more appealing for it.
New EP 'The Trip' follows hot on the heels of the impressive, 'Chillin' n Billin', a track produced by in-house producer and now revered beatsmith Darq E Freaker, and features crew members Peigh, Wonder, Brags, Boyadee and former affiliate, Saskilla.
'Airmax', a track unsurprisingly built around the groups' love for the trainer, is probably the best of the lot, fusing an alarmingly catchy hook with a trippy, trill-inspired instrumental. Although not produced by Darq E Freaker, the beat certainly bears his influence and seems to mirror the sound that Freaker worked so well last year, most notably on the excellent 'Blueberry' featuring the iconic Danny Brown. There may be no prizes for inspired lyricism here but it is fun and represents a welcome return for a crew who have always just, well, done their own thing.
Nu Brand Flexxx – 'AIR MAX' ft. Wonder, Brags & Boyadee from NU BRAND FLEXXX on Vimeo.
Words by Tomas Fraser
