by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

NightjaR is described as ‘the nom-de-plume and smudged rainbow constellation of collaborative copy-and-paste sound-wrangling and hip-hop from Jimi Goodwin’. The Goodwin in question is the frontman and singer of Doves, whose considerable popularity as a guitar-led band over the last two decades has rather masked the fact that their members are pretty prolific in their solo concerns.

For Mala Leche Goodwin has used his contact book and social media to book an intriguing set of collaborators, picking hip hop artists that he likes. These include an intriguing pairing of UK (SonnyJim) and US (Quelle Chris), Pan Amsterdam, Homeboy Sandman, Sleaford Mods’ Jason Williamson, Pruven, Vast Aire & Burgu all together on one track, and Guilty Simpson.

What’s the music like?

This is a big melting pot of styles, put together in a way that feels low budget and home made but which makes for an expansive and logical concept album, as Goodwin explores a huge variety of beats, thoughts and moods.

On occasion the anger spills over, like the observation from Pruven, Vast Aire and Burgu on Piano Heights that “Joni Mitchell never lied…and Boris Johnson’s a motherfucking Russian spy.” Jason Williamson, never one to hold back, delivers a cameo of typically descriptive storytelling in Blood Red Dead. Baby Don’t explores a compelling chemistry between SonnyJim and Quelle Chris, while Mala Leche takes a ‘leak’ at the news with roughed up chimes from Big Ben and Guilty Simpson in tow.

Meanwhile Sylvester sounds like an offcut from a detective movie, and Smashing Little Boat casts the musical net far and wide in its magical mystery tour. Finally Glove Department, the second cut to feature Pan Amsterdam, is a mere eight-and-a-half minutes of jazz-infused beatmaking and storytelling.

Does it all work?

Pretty much. Some of the loose ends are pretty ragged but to be honest it is part of the album’s lasting appeal, that it keeps some rough edges and a patchwork feel.

Is it recommended?

It is, enthusiastically. Goodwin’s album rails with anger against some elements of today’s society, but makes sure to have a lot of fun while doing so. With grooves aplenty, and fresh lyrical insights to match, it should go far.

For fans of… The Streets, Audio Bullys, Jamie T, Plan B, Sleaford Mods

Listen and Buy

Published post no.2,251 – Friday 26 July 2024