Earl and Sean are back

The final week of August saw two new albums from two quite different artists within the genre. Big Sean releases his sophomore effort and OFWGKTA's prodigal son, Earl Sweatshirt, debuts with 'Doris'

First up, on the 20th August 2013, was Earl Sweatshirt. Just as the most controversial rap group of the last 10 years were busy blowing up all over the place, predominantly lead by front man, Bruno Mars hating, Tyler the Creator, Earl was being sent to a Samoa school for naughty boys! A 25 minute freestyle about rape and murder would be enough to cause any mother concern but despite the deplorable content it also showed the lyrical skill Earl possesses. It is a great relief that it is this that he focuses on rather than childish shock value tactics. The now 19 year old Earl has gone so far as to state he doesn't want fans that only listen to him to hear that kind of thing. This certainly seems to be the case with a much more introvert feel to this album than any mixtape release material. The beats and lyrics are nothing but dark and grimey, it's almost like the album Johnny Cash would have made if he was into Hip Hop. I had partly written off the whole Odd Future thing when it seemed the hysteria surrounding their conception was more than a little over the top and under justified. This album however seems to be less rap to shock and intrigue the hipster youth and more a new artist putting out some dark and interesting music. My only critique, less featuring artists next time please.

Next up, 27th August, Big Sean's Hall of Fame. After the release of his debut I had pretty mixed feelings about another name being added to another big rap conglomerate, this time G.O.O.D Music. The album though was not half bad, that being said it was only half good. Following this a mixtape offering, Detroit, fell way short of the initial hype followed by features with the likes of Justin Beiber and Jessie J it seemed Big Sean was falling fast. Why then bother with Hall of Fame, well mainly because it is good music, provided you don't hit shuffle. The start of this album sticks to a cocky but motivational theme suggesting wealth and riches are available to us all provided we focus and work hard. OK not exactly ground breaking but the beats are up lifting and the lyrics flow with confidence and style. Then comes the filling in our shit sandwich. 'Mona Lisa', 'Freaky' and 'MILF' are god awful references to Sean's prowess with women. I cannot fathom why three tracks (granted one is a Skit) got dedicated to this utter trash, maybe the arrogance of youth but such a shame as otherwise this album would have surpassed the debut. It is a stereotypical hip hop album in a number of ways but it is also a well produced and well executed piece of music that should probably have come out in June as it has a distinctly summer feel to it.

Bands, Beers and Breweries

Billed as South Bristol's biggest beer festival of 2013, last weekend saw The Tobacco Factory play host to this year's Factoberfest. On offer were around 60 different craft beers with a token splash of cider thrown in for good measure (it is Bristol after all). On top of that add an almost constantly rotating line up of swing-a-billy, country, honky tonk and bluegrass with a sprinkling of BBQ (an amazing jerk chicken, banana ketchup, hot sauce and coleslaw went down very well) to create a great chilled out and cheery vibe.

Bands entertaining the main beer tent

Obviously the key to this all was the beer and at £10 for 7 half pint samples we were on to a winner. Never has choosing a beer at the bar been such an exploration. With a basic menu at the bar to help you distinguish between kegs and casks, pales, porters and stouts and as importantly, in my mind, provenance. This was an amazing showcase of independence, a glorious west country salute to the successes of craft beer breweries in our corner of the UK.

Yes, that is an ale drinking cowboy

The sampling started out well but quickly got a little hazey as the afternoon progressed. Here is my best attempt st the running order which I diligently kept note of on my phone:

1 - Bristol Beer Factory Independence. A pale ale with distinctive hoppy notes and a crisp finish. Easy to drink and great for outdoor consumption.

2 - Tiny Rebel Full Nelson. Great name and of Maori origins. Really strong flavours particularly the deep malt taste. A grown ups ale for sure, Fosters drinkers beware, this is a Chris Benoit to your Jerry the King.

3 - Black Pearl. Nothing to do with pirates, over rated actors or rum. This dark and chocolately beer was reminiscent of the Tokyo Beer sampled in an earlier post from the Brew Dog. A very nice tipple, imagine Guiness with loads more flavour and a bit of sweetness.

4 - Black Yeti. I was advised this is a very rare beer. Another dark and moody stout this one a lot more bitter than the Black Pearl. Went down very well with the aforementioned Jerk chicken.

5 - Mill Whites Cider. A cloudy, still cider with a pleasant amount of sweetness that disguised the 7.5% abv. Dangerously easy drinking.

6 - Orchard Pig Explorer. Of the two Orchard Pig offerings this was the medium version. Been a big fan of this producer for a while now and this did not disappoint. Crisps and light as ever, if you currently enjoy something like a Thatchers Gold or Ashton Press this is the next level from there.

7 - West Wales IPA. My heritage wouldn't let me miss this one out. An IPA over 6% is always going to turn heads but the strength was not just in alcohol volume but also in flavour. Almost fruity with loads of hops, one of the best IPA's I have tasted.

So that is what £10 bought me, a full listing of Beers and Breweries is attached below. I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping the art of brewing great tasting beer alive. The UK is famous for its ale and the days of it being an old mans drink to sip at at the bar are gone. 10 years ago cider made a come back through the high profile and high expense marketing of Magners et al and the knock on effect has lead to a wave of smaller companies finally getting some deserved recognition. Now it is REAL beers turn. With people like Bristol Beer Factory, Brew Dog, Buttcombe, Bath Ales and Beerd we could have a real revival of a Great British product. Get behind your local breweries and get down the pub, there is a plethora of variety out there!