Aussie hip hop legends Hilltop Hoods’ latest project features a selection of tracks from Walking Under The Stars and Drinking From The Sun that have been restrung, remixed and restructured, alongside a handful of new cuts. While the songs maintain their original essence, they are reinvigorated with the help of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and the Adelaide Chamber Singers.
Floating in on a heavenly vocal performance, The Thirst Pt. 6 introduces a speech sample from 1999 film, Beyond The Mat. Soon enough the familiar sound of the three local heroes emerges, spitting out the philosophical lyric “Life’s a road, it goes one foot after the next.” Composer Jamie Messenger’s beautifully evocative string arrangements bring the song to a close.
Drinking From The Sun Restrung blends a hard-hitting rap rhythm with a euphoric vocal performance. As the energy bleeds out, it’s clear the boys are experimenting at a whole new level. Released in 2015, Higher (feat. James Chatburn) is an instant hit, with a catchy lyric and a killer kick drum rhythm.
Through The Dark (Reprise) is stripped back to a delicate instrumental piece featuring an assortment of strings and twinkling chimes, whereas the restrung version that appears later is quite similar to the original. 2014 single, Cosby Sweater, is transformed through the use of horns and a flirty flute line. Although it’s a fine effort, the revision will never match the popular predecessor.
Speaking In Tongues Restrung, Lights Out Restrung and Rattling The Keys To The Kingdom Restrung are worthy contenders, however the true highlight of the release is 1955. Focusing on small town life, the song sees Montaigne at her absolute finest, belting out a more than memorable vocal performance alongside Suffa and Tom Thum.
BY PHOEBE ROBERTSON
