Nice guys and rap music – it’s a combination that rarely works. Nevertheless, much like nasty film villains, rhyme-spitting deviants still attract plenty of affectionate followers. In recent years Melbourne pop-hopper Matt Colwell (aka 360) has managed to strike the balance between ugly and much loved to chart-topping effect. Utopia, his third LP, is rife with braggadocio and middle fingers to naysayers. But salable redemption comes from the fact he sounds like a daggy, average dude.
The record’s thematic scope is tediously thin. Colwell offers first person details of thwarting personal struggles (a career in rap, addiction). While simplified self-help mantras such as “If you’re not behind me stay the fuck out my way,”will speak to a broad listenership, Colwell really doesn’t take it any further. Essentially, after overcoming his demons and adversaries, the best he has to offer is a dull, gloating account of the fact he’s done so.
Radio-ready production prevents the record from being completely unpleasant (and ensures TV syncs aplenty), but it doesn’t suit Colwell’s ungraceful vocals. With a bit of fire behind him, perhaps the rapping could’ve gathered potency. Instead, Utopia struggles even to be offensive. Sixavelli and Eddie Jones, a couple of garish shock value pieces – featuring references to being aroused at a funeral and the unfathomable size of Colwell’s genital appendage (too big for a hashtag, would you believe it) – both suffer from a malnourished vocal delivery sitting atop a 2D backdrop.
Yep, worse than being horrible, Utopia is just plain boring.
BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
Best Track: Early Warning
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: TWO AND A HALF MEN, CROWN LAGER, SCREAMING JETS
In A Word: Decaf
