Verbz And Zars In Time EP Review
Hip-hop & DnB. Croydon & Manny. A journey through Verbz and Zar’s In Time EP - By Kyle Hardy
Verbz remains one of the most underappreciated artists in the UK hip-hop scene. He is Croydon through and through, and never fails to rep this in his music. With introspective lyricism, typically laid over chill, jazzy, lo-fi-esque instrumentals, he consistently paints a nostalgic, melancholy, yet gritty portrait of the reality of “coming from the bits”. He has delivered a number of top tier projects over the best part of a decade, from Lessons of Adolescence (2017), which received a fantastic reception and set the tone for what was to come, to Pathways (2019), Radio Waves (2020), Sight Beyond Sight (2023), and many more. The majority of these have been collaborations with his partner in crime, Brighton-based producer Mr Slipz. Since signing to High Focus Records in 2020, the duo have continued to gain traction, making waves in the underground, building an unmistakable sound and a solid fan base along the way.
Verbz now embarks on a slightly different journey, teaming up with soulful DnB producer Zar, for their In Time EP, which dropped in April this year on the Gemini Gemini record label. While Verbz is primarily known for his work in hip-hop, this isn’t his first venture into the drum and bass scene; he’s previously collaborated with producers such as Dogger & Mindstate and Alix Perez. Similarly, Zar has worked with a number of hip-hop and DnB MCs, including DRS and T.R.A.C., further blurring the lines between the two genres.
Born in London to Italian heritage, the now Manchester-based Zar only came onto my radar recently, after he released his critically acclaimed album Anima (2024) on DRS’s Space Cadet label. I’m not a huge DnB fan, however, I was quite surprised with how much I enjoyed his overall vibe, and how laid-back his form of liquid DnB was. He blends complementary genres, like hip-hop, jazz and soul; making it easy to see how his sound and vision would align well with an artist like Verbz. Their first track, “Is It Really?”, dropped in February this year as part of Gemini Music Club, Part 1, a 12 track compilation featuring a range of hip-hop, dancefloor and DnB artists, released via the Gemini Gemini label. Speaking at the time, Verbz noted: “we’ve been working on bits together for a while now so it’s good to finally get one out. We’ve got more on the way...”
With a total run time of 23 minutes, the In Time EP offers six tracks, including three features, and a glimpse into a flick-book of moments in time; encapsulating themes of youth and identity.
The first and title track makes for an atmospheric opening to the EP, with a warm bassline setting the tone. Verbz displays his usual nonchalant flow combined with some reflective lyrics. One of my favourite lines is: “I tell a story man you probably would’ve heard before, under rain clouds certain of our worst flaws”. This is accompanied by some ethereal background vocals which see the track out, giving us a concise but memorable introduction to the project.
“Defence Mode” featuring India Shan is definitely a highlight for me. The faster, more energetic drums paired with India Shan’s melodious vocal performance really stands out here. I think there’s some solid chemistry between her and Verbz. The track feels both lucid and upbeat. The chorus: “It’s like I’m in defence mode...running from my own world” is a memorable moment for me on the project; it really propels the song and adds to the emotional resonance of it.
“Running Away” is one of the more lyrically dense performances from Verbz on the EP. He shows hints of vulnerability laced with frustration in lines like, “Never been a victim I just needed them to listen, piss away my ambition in the wind as times ticking”. It is also arguably the most musically diverse track for several reasons. It opens with Verbz rhyming over a relaxed hip-hop groove, before shifting into a dynamic DnB rhythm. In the latter half we get a few more beat switches as well. I also really dug the hip-hop infused sample (at least I think it’s a sample) — which chants, “Run away...Run away with me” this combines nicely with some classic scratches, likely the work of DJ Jazz T, who’s credited with cuts on the project. All of these elements elevate the track, and I imagine it would be the same for other listeners who also have more of a taste for hip-hop.
“After Party” is the longest cut on the project and I think a good representation of its overall mood. You get the sense you’re on the way to an after party in the early hours of the morning, contemplating life, your choices and your place in the world; whilst simultaneously acknowledging the present moment and the people around you. Overall, it’s quite a bouncy and lively track, with a worthwhile feature from the legendary DRS. However, the upbeat DnB energy contrasts to the main themes conveyed by both artists. Burning the candle at both ends, questioning the company you keep, and the search for meaning all seem to underpin this track.
“All Said And Done” featuring Note, is probably my favourite track on the EP. The fusion of hip-hop and DnB is at its finest, with a more jazzy, soulful edge to the production than some of the other tracks. Some thoughtful lyrics from Verbz shines through, while Note’s hook “It’s been some time...since I seen sunshine”, amplifies the mood and adds a nice layer of warmth and melancholy to the song.
The final track, “Dazed”, leaves us on a more optimistic and uplifting note. “I told em this year’s bigger than the last one, even though I made a killing on my last run”. The atmosphere is hazy and the lyrics are in my opinion the best of the entire project. “With the pen I spill blues tryna heal wounds” stands out as quite a moving line from Verbz. The outro is almost akin to the nights final reflections before sleeping; the time where your quiet thoughts feel the loudest. Zar also doesn’t use any drums on this track, thus the instrumental retains a more serene vibe, giving more emphasis to the lyrics. It could easily fit into any of Verbz’s previous, purely hip-hop focussed albums in my opinion.
The song ends with a sample from the 1993 Richard Linklater film- Dazed and Confused, in which the character Cynthia goes on an existential train of thought about purpose, mortality and external expectations. The scene highlights the importance of being grounded and appreciating the present moment in a chaotic, future-oriented society.
All in all, the In Time EP is a concise but rich showcase of genre blending. The chemistry between features feels natural, and the lyrics are laid-back but insightful; touching on many of the perspectives we inevitably encounter when navigating our way through life. It also hints at the duo’s potential to deliver something more expansive in long-form. Both Verbz and Zar have been active contributors to the UK’s vibrant underground scene for a while now — and there’s no sign of either losing momentum. I’m definitely looking forward to what they have in store next!
