Auckland, New Zealand-based alt-rap trio the Wyld have built off the buzz they received with debut album Preface, released in the summer of 2012, thanks to their unique take on the rap-rock genre. Rapper Mo Kheir is confident and relaxed in his delivery, his witty lyrics most often self-referential or about rap. He shares vocal duties with singer/keyboard player Brandon Black, who not only provides all of the hooks, but as the producer, also layers his voice — and, at times, those of others — into the beat for background harmonies that contribute to the ethereal atmosphere of the music.
The drums have that proper hip-hop boom bap and any additional samples that add to the epic quality of the beats, but it isn't a full-fledged arena rock jam until guitarist Joe Pascoe adds his licks, whether it's a scorching solo or the twang-y guitar loop on "Wake Up." Yeah, the genre can be a bit embarrassing, but with Abstract The Wyld present the best rap-rock since the Judgement Night soundtrack.
(Fontana North/Dryden Street)The drums have that proper hip-hop boom bap and any additional samples that add to the epic quality of the beats, but it isn't a full-fledged arena rock jam until guitarist Joe Pascoe adds his licks, whether it's a scorching solo or the twang-y guitar loop on "Wake Up." Yeah, the genre can be a bit embarrassing, but with Abstract The Wyld present the best rap-rock since the Judgement Night soundtrack.