The Proforms - Atavism (review)

Atavism

GET READY!!!  The lead single and 1st track off of The Proform's debut LP "Atavism" is nothing but a wake up call for cats to prep for the group's classic blend of beats & rhymes.  The group consisting of Joe Harvey, Ace One, Big Skittz & DJ Spoolz have all established themselves within the Naptown scene in separate or prior projects, but have joined together to not form a "super group" but as a NEW group.  With their varying backgrounds and sounds in other projects, each member brings a different vibe and element to the project that adds to the overall flavor instead of fighting against itself. 

The production is headed up by Joe Harvey and when comparing it to prior efforts like "Twilight Sentinels," he's grown as a producer/beatmaker with a more polished/developed sound.  Although his prior work has proven to be a quite impressive resume, this project is some of his best work yet.  Schooled in the art of "golden age" hip hop, Joe Harvey is able to keep the production classic AND relevant without it sounding too dated. 

On the mic, Harvey also puts in his two pennies, but Ace-One and Skittz round out the group's emcees killin' every track they rip.  Although I've seen Ace and Skittz murder guest spots on tracks and live sets, the three emcees focus on building their brethren than outshining one another.  Each member of the group is a key element in their sound and their is no question that they all are well rounded and schooled emcees.     

Sonically "Atavism" is a cohesive and classic blend of soul, reggae and jazz to create an end to end tape burner of dope boom bap.  The Ace-One solo "Mind Over Matter" is reminiscent of Da Youngstas' "Mad Props" and not only highlights the powerhouse that Ace is, but has the potential to go the distance as a solid 12" or single track.

Another one of the stand out cuts on the LP is actually an interlude/dedication to DJ Mpozi, "Suite for Mpozi."  The interlude does more in what it doesn't say than what could be done if Joe Harvey, Skittz or Ace dropped a verse to it.  Although I moved to Naptown a year to the day he passed, it was obvious HOW much he meant to the scene.  And despite never meeting or knowing him, Skittz and Joe Harvey pieced together a dedication that damn near brought me to tears as the vocal sample says, "I'd bring you back if I knew how."

Atavism is an example of well rounded emcees, production and DJ skills coming together to make a solid LP instead of the sloppy unfocused albums that have flooded the market the last few years.  The Proforms have put together a debut that has added to Naptown's steady list of dope releases and can easily be included in 2011's top ten lists.  (period)

Don't sleep.