p.o.s. dropped his new album this past tuesday, and i decided to review it. to be honest, i wasn’t a fan of audition, and when i saw him live opening for gym class heroes and rx bandits, i was unimpressed. it was just not what i looked for in hip-hop. it was overly aggressive and in a live setting, did not go over well.

however, doomtree’s 2008 self-titled release was something else. i really took a liking to the album, and decided i’d listen to this effort. good idea. aside from the packaging being the most beautiful packaging i’ve ever seen, the album itself is just as dope.

read the review after the jump.

Artist: P.O.S.
Album: Never Better
Record Label: Doomtree/Rhymesayers
Release Date: February 3, 2009

When anyone brings up the idea of a punk-rock scene or a hip-hop movement, Minneapolis isn’t necessarily the first city that comes to mind. However, in the past few years, P.O.S., along with acts like Atmosphere, Dessa, Lazerbeak and other artists affiliated with the collectives known as Doomtree and Rhymesayers (respectively) have relentlessly made an effort to put Minneapolis on the map.

Bridging the gap between two completely contrasting genres such as punk-rock and hip-hop doesn’t sound like such a great idea, nor is it an easy task. P.O.S. hasn’t necessarily broken through to the masses, but with his third full length, Never Better, he may be starting to turn many more heads, myself included.

P.O.S.’s approach to hip-hop is abrasive and unfriendly. He’s been known for his brash and verbose delivery, set to the tune of live, aggressive drumming and heavy bass chops. With Never Better, he has fine-tuned the formula he’s used on past releases such as Audition and has created a socially conscious and uplifting opus.

With opener “Let it Rattle,” P.O.S. uses minimalist rhythms and his signature hard-hitting drums to express his own political and social concerns. Other songs like “Savion Glover” explore familiar hip-hop territory with sampled beats and DJ scratches. Songs like “Graves” and “Goodbye,” the album’s lead single, are amongst the album’s finest gems. “Low Light Low Life,” which features the soulful, mellowed vocals of label-mate Dessa, along with Cecil Otter and Sims, and may be the single best track on Never Better.

P.O.S. and Doomtree artist Lazerbeak worked together to produce the majority of Never Better, and have done a superb job overall. P.O.S also plays all the guitar and keyboard parts, showcasing his own personal talents in all aspects.

The album does have a few slip-ups. The repetitious nature of “Out Of Category” and the way-too-metal “Terrorish” are definite blips, halting the flow of the album. And at times, the music tends to feel a bit cluttered, as heard on “Purexed.” It wouldn’t hurt to clear out a bit of the noise, as it can get overwhelming for the casual listener.

The overload of subject matter, not to mention the fact that P.O.S. is overly wordy and long-winded may turn listeners away as well. Songs like “Graves” and “Get Smokes” don’t provide for the easiest listen, nor is it something you’d be able to listen to on a summer day with your friends and the windows rolled down. It is definitely more moody than you’d imagine or want, which may be its biggest setback, but at the same time, could be its biggest attraction.

In theory, P.O.S. has released his finest album to date, taking in to consideration that it’s the first solo effort of his that I’ve personally enjoyed. It’s haunting and prolific, and generally an antithesis to what many people know as hip-hop. Above all, Never Better is P.O.S.’s testament to what you can do without the boundaries and restrictions of genres and concepts.

Grade: B+

music video for “drumroll (we’re all thirsty)”:

p.o.s. on myspace.
rhymesayers on the web.
doomtree on the web.

-grizzly