Quick Hitters:: Two Fingers

One of the more interesting names on the Polaris long-list is that of Two Fingers, the collaboration between electronic producers Amon Tobin and Joe "Doubleclick" Chapman. I say interesting, because at first blush, no one associated with the project is Canadian. However, this, as those more in the know than myself would be well aware, is not true. Brazilian-born electro-wizard Tobin has called Montreal home since the early part of this decade, so of course his output does in fact qualify.

But I should also say that it's origin isn't the only interesting thing about it, as you can look up and down that aforementioned list and find nothing similar to this record as far as style is concerned. The songs are incredibly well produced, and while they do lean towards hip hop, they remain electro-centic at their core, with clicks, rattles, and various other types of percussion sounds all arranged in a painstaking fashion to create a sound that's cacophonous, yet melodic.

The majority of the songs feature Brit MC Sway, who, like many of his peers in that grime-type genre, has a rapidfire flow that works best on songs like Straw Men, Like That Girl, and High Life. There's also some female representation though, as dancehall songstress Ce Cile does one track, and Philly up & comer Ms. Jade does another two.

I don't know that this will appeal to hip hop diehards, but I have to say, it's drawn me in more and more after a few listens. Being as rock-centric as we are here in Canada, it's good to see something like Two Fingers get some attention.