Mac Backwardz – I’ll Bell You Tomorrow [LP]

Embarking on an odyssey straight from the raw corners of Mac Backwardz‘s psyche, I’ll Bell You Tomorrow presents an intense and impressive journey that courses through the full range of human emotions and experiences. Peppered with hard punches and laced with a vulnerable resonance, this album blurs the line between music and memoir, rhythm, and rebellion. Intricate lyrics weave through hypnotic beats, leading us through the maze of Mac‘s own experiences and sharing a story that’ll keep you plugged in from start to finish.

Launching the album with a bang, the magnetic “Alien Faces” sends listeners into a whirlwind of uncharted territory. Amidst the swirling chaos of industry skepticism and personal battles, Mac uses piercing lyrics to plant his flag in a darkly hazy soundscape laid out by beatmakers Espielle and Patrick Foley – aka the production duo Harlem Ralph. Their thuddy kick drums and eerie synths exert a pull on the listener, driving them forward as witnesses to Mac‘s agile and passionate verses. Despite facing the threat of “starships and alien faces…” our antihero still spits a steadfast snub to the mainstream’s indifference and reminds us that he doesn’t trip about fleeting fans and fickle stream chasers.

Sliding in with effortless ease, “Retail Therapy” soon switches the groove with a grin. Sewing a hypnotic, trap-steeped groove over rhymes that cleverly dig at the materialism-driven world we live in, this track churns out a gritty critique under the guise of a bumpin’ crowd pleaser. Mac tosses out nods to fashion heavyweights like Chanel, Polo, and Versace’ while simultaneously pouring scorn on a world where authenticity suffocates. So, while the luxury brand mentions might get heads nodding, it’s Mac and guest emcee CONXEPT‘s charismatic play on words that reveal a send up of those same flaunted labels.

Next up is “Vices,” an energetic and upbeat number that focuses on the darker side of the pleasure-seeking escapism we all take part in from time to time. Featuring fellow U.K. wordsmiths Flowlosopha and Wates, the track’s catchy chorus has Mac inviting the listener to share their cravings with him as he paints himself as the ultimate plug. The spotlight shifts with each verse, with Mac Backwardz sparking up a story of using drugs as a means to escape personal struggles, Flowlosopha experiencing an almost spiritual connection to his vice – smoking weed, and Wates pulling back the curtain on the disorienting world of drowning your sorrows in alcohol.

“Air Max” is a jazz-infused joint which takes listeners back to the 90s with its dusty sax loop, swelling strings, and boxy drum break. Joined by producer/emcee Espielle, both artists show off their nimble flows and charismatic swagger. It’s a buttery groove that carries over the bouncy vibes of “Vices” but leaves the seriousness behind. As the track closes, it melts away into the hazy blend of soulful chords, lo-fi drums, and ghostly vocals that make up the song “Bluntly“. This time Mac Backwardz and Espielle are joined by the other half of Harlem Ralph, Patrick Foley, and together the trio conjure up feelings of introspective reflection. As the rhymes unfold and Patrick sings “Magicked up this whole novella/ Spilt my blood just for me to tell ya/ But if I bleed out tell my family yeah/ I just needed better” the track turns into what feels like the soundtrack to a reflective night drive. It’s a sobering dose of the rough ride an artist has to navigate – a road littered with smoke and mirrors, letdowns, and the unavoidable punches that life throws at them.

Mac switches up the mood with “Editor, Director“ an intense, fast-paced track that captures the vivid chaos of life through a frenzied but intentional style. The tense and claustrophobic mood of the song is cemented by a mix of swirling synthesizers, skittery beats, and alarm-like loops. Afterwards, the track “’13 -’17” reflects on Mac‘s past years with prose-like lyrics illustrating loneliness and longing for better days as layered between somber piano strokes and distantly echoing drums. The beat’s eeriness enhances the dark undercurrent of Mac‘s storytelling. Lines like “And every weekend it’s the samе believe mе/ 5 days to earn your wages, blow them in 2 evenings/ 3 am in crowded beds expressing all your feelings/ With people you’re just meeting, tryna expel all your demons” reflect the uncertainty of a life rushing by, forever chasing highs and escapes.

“Embers“, a collaboration with singer Henry Jones, keeps the broody vibes flowing as it tells a story of chance encounters and the transient nature of connections. The song weaves autumnal guitar strums, enigmatic sound effects, and a crisp drum beat into a sound that captures the fading warmth of a dwindling flame. On the flip side of that we get “Hate U Love U” – a stirring track featuring singer Vince Iesha. It’s a heady mixture of hip-hop, jazz, rock, and gospel where both artists explore a relationship marked by manipulation and deceit. Mac‘s lyrics are confessional and almost cruel, enlightening listeners about the ties that bind the couple amidst the BS. Meanwhile, Iesha gives voice to the emotional tussle of wanting to move on versus returning to familiar patterns. Her powerful soprano adds depth to the heartache, making this track a standout in the album.

The set brings it all home with the final duo of tracks “New Neighbours and “Sane By Morning” – both introspective tunes that sum up the essence of Mac‘s personal and artistic journey. “New Neighbours” provides a bittersweet trip down memory lane, a nod to all those who have shaped Mac Backwardz, in their own distinctive ways. It’s an ode to friendships, people, and places from the past, all bathed in the soft glow of nostalgia. Moving on to “Sane By Morning”, the album concludes on a poignant note, conveying cautious optimism and acceptance. The track resonates with listeners who have trodden a similar path, inspiring self-reflection and the belief that each sunrise brings a chance to restart. A bittersweet yet inspiring theme about survival that’s the perfect ending for this compelling album.

Through both the highs and lows, the silent struggles and the loud triumphs, Mac Backwardz has crafted an inimitable sonic diary with “I’ll Bell You Tomorrow“. t’s an immersive narrative experience, proving that, when it comes to music, no message is too deep, no emotion too strong, and no journey too complex to capture.

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