Iceski And Merlin Enter The Dragon EP Review

Date: 31/12/69

Author: Administrator

Over all my time writing and reviewing for Underground double H, I don't think I've ever been so full of anticipation for a release as I am for this. A few previous offerings from these two have been a jaw-dropping audio experience and upon hearing this for the first time I was not only 'far from disappointed' but I was once again jaw-hits-the-floor overwhealmed from the level of energy and pure skill within their music. Together, MC Iceski & producer Merlin create a truly unique hip hop sound and presence. Striving for authenticity with every bar and every beat, the pair combine their love of a good hook and their desire to make your head nod into one immovable force. Underground HH is proud to present Iceski and Merlin. The street is seething, the stage is set, the ground is trembling... 'Enter The Dragon'.

Upon first listen you quickly realise that Iceski and Merlin manage to capture the energy of the raw underground sound and clash it with catchy hook-fueled bounce-a-thons before then distilling it through layers of true hip hop authenticity. The intro sets the scene and then accompanied by microphone legend Chrome and DJ extraordinaire Tones, the team begins to bring you into the journey. The beginning to the EP is captivating to say the least and the standard is set high. Displayed with brilliant multi-colour in a brand new music video by Roman Schaible, the third track is more uplifting than Willy Wonka's fizzy bubble machine. 'Jus Playin' brings the brilliant Tones back for the cut duties and is a more than suitable visual and audio specimen for the EP.

Title track 'Enter The Dragon' enlists the furious fingers of DJ Highfly. An epic audio onslaught with Iceski's infamous patented vocal violence splashed all over it. A very fitting track to herald the EP title. Moving through the EP continues to utilise Merlin's brilliant ability to capture 'soundtrack-esq' soundbites and construct them into hip hop bangers that rival anyone in the world. Iceski and Merlin bring in Kid Lyrical, Wizardry and Remarkable 1 for the next few tracks and all three pay respect to the creators by bringing the fire. The tracks continue to draw the listener into a perfect phonic protest. Closing up the EP is the humongous 'Fully Charged'. A full on attack on the senses from a crew making a statement. That statement is that THEY are the architects, THEY set the benchmark and THEY set the rules.

From first drop to the outro 'Enter The Dragon' is explosive and energetic without apology. It prides itself in being a top branch on the heaving UK hip hop britcore tree. With beats that demand the listener to the front line of the revolution and lyrics that place a banner and a molotov cocktail firmly in their hands. Released on vinyl now and on digital from in the near future, it is sure to please the true heads, the fans of the fury and the intelligent heads all at once. It is something that will cement itself as a rare gem in a dirty underground and it will be on heavy rotation here at the Underground HH HQ for some years to come.

Invokal - Verbalist Journalist

The Details:

Enter The Dragon - 8 Track EP.

Released on 12 inch vinyl: 16/04/16 on Show & Prove Records.

Iceski and Merlin Website, facebook, twitter.

For sales and bookings email: iceski.merlin@gmail.com

Music: Merlin, Vocals: Iceski, Cuts: DJ Highfly & DJ Tones.

Additional Vocals: Chrome, Remarkable, Kid Lyrical, Wizardry, Blades.

Cover design: Mr Tibbz

The History

Merlin: A young and blossoming Merlin started to see the appeal of hip hop culture early on. After seeing graffiti sketches a friend had brought to a school class, he became inspired and they went home and sprayed their first wall that very night. Becoming an artist to express himself came naturally, but after being struck with illness in the late 90's Merlin decided to put his talents and passion to work in safer locations, beginning his career as a producer.

Through a quickly developing list of contacts Merlin began to create his mark, remixing several infamous artists and beginning to work with some fledgling UK heads. Notably Remarkable and Native Son in the crew 'Sublime Wizardry', bringing in the phenomenal DJ Tones in on the decks. Going on to share stages with the likes of Killa Instinct, Public Enemy and KRS One, officially cementing their place in the scene. Merlin also works closely with Invokal - Speech Urchin in the hip hop concept project 'The Magik Word', pushing the boundaries of the genre and growing his diverse repertoire.

Iceski: Iceski started his career while at college with a group of friends who shared his passion and ambition. He states... "I got into Hip hop in the mid 80's. It started with break-dance and I remember the whole New York scene and culture at the time just blowing me away. The graffiti, the dance, the music, the clothing, DJs scratching, MCs rapping, man - I was totally hooked!" Starting out as MC for the now infamous 'The Criminal Minds', Iceski quickly made a name for himself as a pioneering artist with a true UK voice.

Being a true innovator of the genre, Iceski and TCM's releases were highly anticipated and went on to be prized items in DJ collections far and wide. Embodiment of the DIY attitude and proud to blaze a trail rather than follow the band wagons, Iceski has developed a fast and fiery flow unique to him and a passionate following.

A Meeting Of Minds: Some time in 2003... Merlin explains; "Shortly after starting to produce tracks a good friend of mine organised a gig in my home town Hamburg with the britcore pioneers The Criminal Minds. It was at this event that I first crossed paths with Iceski." Skip forward a few years and Iceski and Merlin decided to put their friendship and talents to the test in one indestructible collaboration. Creating their first official track as a duo in 2006 - 'We Come Ruff' which was an underground hit. Later the pair would collaborate with TCM's DJ Spatts for britcore super-crew '32 Troop' and when Iceski parted ways with legends TCM in 2015, it seemed a natural progression to begin solidifying a new sound with Merlin. 2015 saw them release their first 7 inch single with artwork from Mr. Tibbz which received a huge amount of positive feedback. As well as dropping another free single 'Enter The Badman' later in the year, which turned the heads of hip hoppers throughout the underground. Now in 2016 the pair have brought to the table one of the most exciting sounds around and their releases are gaining them both attention and momentum. 'Enter The Dragon' is sure to rock speakers and stages alike, grab yourself a copy while stocks last.

Invokal - Verbalist Journalist