August 20 2015

Exclusive Music Review for Abby Power’s new EP – Soul Searching

Abby Power is a hip-hop artist hailing from London, both a rapper and singer. Her big influences are 90’s rap artists, in particular Eminem, but also female rappers like Missy Elliott amongst others. As she raps and sings in her native English accent she is likely to draw comparisons with Lily Allen, whose singing voice is similar, though perhaps someone like Professor Green shares more similarities with her particular rapping style. Abby is both a highly articulate wordsmith as well as a gifted rapper with a fast, flowing style, painting a powerful but often grim picture of modern life as she knows it with a gritty, authentic and raw honesty that really connects with the listener.

Opening track Oh Well has a laid-back beat, but the content is far from laid-back as she has depicts a life of mundane work and the struggle to overcome her background and achieve her dreams. Genesis Elijahmakes a guest appearance with a short but potent rap about how he turned his life round through music and his faith.

‘Oh Well – Part one’

Second track Passing Over clearly depicts a life where children are involved in crime and drugs (“I can’t live in a world where diamonds and pearls are worth more than a life…”).

‘Passing Over’

Third track Del Rey innovatively takes the chorus from Lana Del Rey’s Summertime Sadness and interjects her own rapped verses, like Eminem did with Thank You by Dido on his classic Stan. The lilting softness of Del Rey’s vocals makes a great contrast with Abby’s brutally honest and often harrowing words.

‘Del Rey’

Fourth track Coma is another good track, the contrast this time created by the guest lead vocals of Peter Geary who delivers a catchy chorus.

‘Coma’

Oh Well (Part 2) continues the theme of the opening track, this time over the classic Funky Drummer beat, a staple sample of hip-hop. She delivers a rap of breathtaking speed and fluency, giving a harsh but realistic message (“everyone’s a victim, you either sink or swim”).

‘Oh Well (Part 2)’

Final track On Our Way ends on a hopeful note, with the chance of a good relationship in sight, a great way to finish.

‘On Our Way’

Overall, this is a consistently excellent E.P. that showcases Abby’s talents as a lyricist and rapper as well her singing, which is another gift in itself. With a distinctive lyrical persona, she conveys strong feelings and opinions that eloquently articulates how many people from a similar background feel. It’s only a matter of time before she gains recognition and receives deserved acclaim/success.

By Alex Faulkner

I’m 34 and a freelance music journalist, as well as a composer and producer. I’ve written reviews for UK newspapers and music websites. I run my own blog, reviewing the best new bands and artists . I’m very passionate and knowledgeable about music and that shows in my writing.