After 9 years local hiphop collective Downsyde have released their sixth studio album, ClassicILL. Optamus, Shabaz and Dazastah have reunited on 16 golden tracks, bringing in contributions from artists including Syllabolix crew Layla, Drapht, The Merindas and the late MC Hunter. These diverse artists contribute to the wide ranging influences pervading the album, showing off the trios ability to bring together not only sounds but importantly, people. 

The first hint of a return came late last year with summer banger 'Only Got Now' feat Porsah Laine. They’ve followed it up with 'Back in the Game' - a bold declaration of intent. The awesome (I’m a sucker for some jazz flute) woodwind intro is deceptive as, far from becoming soft, they declare they are ‘back on their soapbox’. Given that Dazastah has been producing for A.B. Original and the late Dr G. Yunupingu, and Optamus continues to run hip hop workshops with incarcerated inmates, it’s not hard to imagine what this soapbox must be. 'The Hunger Inside' confirms what we’ve suspected - that they were never out of the game, and that same drive to create exists today as forcefully as it did some 20 years ago.

While the first 9 tracks are alternately looking back on past success and declaring a comeback today, the second half of the album builds on this promise and delivers fresh sounds. Standouts include 'I’m Very Glad', with an idiosyncratic synths beat reminiscent of the best video game soundtracks of the 90’s. The line - I’m very glad - apparently comes from Dazastahs’ grandad, and is guaranteed to become stuck in your head for days after listening - or (ahem) at least until your nostalgia-induced Nintendo marathon session drives it out.

Among the first to abandon the American accent and embrace the Australian voice, what sets Downsyde apart from the pack is their commitment to authenticity. Tracks like 'Richman' - an early release from the album - and 'Blue Collar' tap into the deep thread of social consciousness running through the Downsyde back catalogue. 'Blue Collar' is an ode to the labourers, miners and tradies who are ‘slinging bricks until the afternoon’. In 'Richman', fancy cars are offered up alongside invitations to give to charity, and a recognition that for many people, making money means forgetting about being in poverty altogether. The track ends with encouragement to just take part without worrying about the financial outcome.

The continued success of Downsyde is due in large part to their commitment to building a community, and in working with The Merindas they lift these two talented but until now overlooked WA artists up with them. The voices of Candice Lorrae and Kristel Kickett lend a warm, soulful feel to the two tracks they provide backing vocals for - they’re independent work is well worth a listen. The tracks themselves ('Playing With Fire' and 'Nah Nah') have a darker tone to the rest of the album, and are a kind of anti-love song - playful warnings about getting involved with someone before really getting to know them.

'Life is Music' is the anthemic centrepiece around which the rest of the album gravitates. It is a track which brims with joy - a 10 minute testament to the power of music. This is the track you listen to when life brings you to your knees, reminding you that sometimes it’s the music that gets you through the day. Featuring verses from Bitter Belief, Layla, Mortar, Matty B, Mr Grevis and Emjay, if there is one track that sums up the Downsyde approach to life, this is it.

During their nine year hiatus, Downsyde have doubled down in their efforts to reach out to the community. Optamus is well known for his community work, particularly in the justice space. It's significant, then, that the band chose to launch this album at Acacia Prison. A minimum security prison in the eastern suburbs of Perth, launching here is recognition that, while these men may be apart from society, they are still a part of our society. The work Optamus is doing with these men gives them a voice, and props to Downsyde for recognising this in their decision to launch ClassicILL on the inside.

Throughout the album, the emotive wordplay is embedded in accomplished mixes and innovative orchestration. The result is an album jam packed with skillful beats and a beating heart.

Rating 8/10