Album Review: Baron Von Alias- Timepiece

15 years ago view-show 741,312

timepiece-article_phixrWith Hip-Hop no longer being just a stateside thing, many other countries have gone into “show and prove” mode by displaying some of their talent.

One country in particular is the one across the pond, known as the United Kingdom.

With a handful of MC’s from that region already pledging their allegiance to the queen, new comer Baron Von Alias steps to the forefront hoping to gain some of that recognition as well with his album Timepiece.

With production by beat smiths like OH NO, Khrysis, and features with Guilty Simpson, Frank n Dank, T3 (Slum Village), and Butta Verses; the Baron takes you on a musical journey through his thoughts.

Starting with the title track, ‘Timepiece,the Baron uses the organ instrumentation to his advantage in order to discuss his timepiece, as he talks about it as if it were a woman.

Guilty Simpson lends a hand on ‘Here And Now, as they both flow smoothly over the horn-ridden track, with Guilty dropping lines like, “Penitentiaries don’t have mo bars/Detroit brand new rims on old cars/I live this sh*t/I can show scars.”

One of the strongest records on the album comes in on the quirky and harmonious sounds of ‘P.H.O.N.E.Y’ featuring J Dilla affiliates Frank n Dank.

On it, all three MC’s act like one cohesive unit with the Baron talking about his views, “These pennies that I’m rubbin’ together don’t make pounds/try to tell me that I’m nothing whatever, I make ground.”

Khrysis mans the boards for the ‘Kids Of Apocalypse, as he uses his patented soul grooves to invade your eardrums, while the Baron drops knowledge on the youth.

Other songs on Baron Von Alias’ travel through time are contributions likes the near-perfect ‘The Relaxation Of A Stressed Out World, the relationship tales of ‘Goodbye’ featuring T3 and Melanie Rutherford, the somber feel of ‘Don’t Cry For Me, and ‘Choices’ (produced by OH NO).

What Baron Von Alias lacks in lyricism, he makes up for it by choosing the right production. His delivery mixed in with his English accent, might turn some people off from giving him a chance, but the tracks that surround the project can be considered as the happy medium between the two.

With Timepiece, the Baron proves that there is always room for improvement, especially when it comes to being a new artist.

Hopefully he uses this project as a platform to build from, and better his skills, so more listeners will be  inclined to listen to what he has to say; rather than engulfing themselves into his production instead…

Rating: 2.5

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