The first singles by
slowthai
were raw bursts of energy, blending grime and drill with a punk attitude, and delivering scathing lyrics addressing the struggles of British youth. His debut album far surpasses the promise of those early tracks, tackling similar topics but with a much sharper focus. The direct, concise album's songs reflect the state of Brexit-era England, particularly the issues faced by those living in poverty, such as broken homes, drug addiction, and the widening wage gap. The MC openly mocks
Queen Elizabeth
at the end of the title track, which also contains a jarring, angular grime beat and a reference to
Dizzee Rascal
's game-changing debut,
Boy in Da Corner
. The album's intense, sometimes traumatic lyrics are spiked with an acerbic sense of humor, as well as a surprising vulnerability, particularly on songs like "Peace of Mind" and "Northampton's Child," where
thanks his mother for raising him, especially after his father left when he was three.
Skepta
guests on one of the album's harshest moments, the drill track "Inglorious," and
's voice raises in desperation on similarly aggressive tracks such as "Grow Up" and "Missing." The album's production darts from skittish electro-punk (the
Mura Masa
-assisted "Doorman") to sparkling downtempo ("Gorgeous") to lush garage with acoustic guitars ("Toaster"), each fitting a different facet of the MC's personality. Fresh and exhilarating,
Nothing Great About Britain
firmly establishes
as one of U.K. rap's most relevant artists. ~ Paul Simpson