Check The Vision

The very concept of an Irish hip-hop crew may raise a few eyebrows amongst the less open minded, but Creative Control’s second release is of such ridiculously strong quality, that all those issues pale into insignificance. Aware of their roots, but not obsessed with them, the trio of tracks on this 12” only release all sit comfortably within hip-hop’s lineage while bringing their own elements to the party.

The title track, built around an acoustic guitar and floating flute, has an uplifting Jurassic 5 vibe; ‘I’d Give My Right Arm’ is stacked full of humour, while ‘The Overdose’ is given a dramatic orchestral backing.

A million miles away from the crass shamrock shenanigans of House Of Pain and with far more in common with the criminally ignored Marxman, all that can hold Creative Control back are the prejudices of their own audience.