A lot has happened to the BVC since their debut outing "Woonsocket." They have transformed from a bare bones hip-hop quartet to a full 6 person aural assault. With any addition to a band it is always a question on whether it was necessary, especially after a successful debut disc. However, this was not an issue with BVC as not only did their live show strengthen, but "Ohana" also displays a fuller, more unified sound than previously heard from Woonsocket's pride and joy.
The Sound:
The beauty of the newly revamped BVC is the ability to switch from a suburban rap style to a hard hitting near metal breakdown. Nothing sounds forced, just different genres flowing back and forth with unbelievable precision. The vocals provided mainly by X-Up, alfontaine, and Gwrox have a unique blend of pop culture references (i.e. the WWE's The Dudley Boyz, Strangers in Paradise comic, etc.), tongue in cheek rap clichés, and hometown pride all laced around a tight flow and constant rhyme control. They all have seemed to become more comfortable and adjusted as lyricists, which allows them to expand more as a group. Musically, from the first note of "Ohana," you hear how much BVC's sound has evolved. With the added guitars from KRS-10, the sound is a lot deeper and harder than on previous works. This provides an interesting contrast from the suburban raps spit out by the vocalists. Also you hear some of the bands "old school hardcore" roots come through with searing riffs heard on tracks like "146." Legion continues to lay down groove inspired bass lines with Threigh backing him up with simple yet effective drumbeats. With the genre hopping and constant head bopping flow there is something for most people on this disc, which makes this a perfect party CD. "Ohana" also delivers one of the greatest local collaborations ever. With "Top of the Second," the sequel to "Batter Up," we get verses not only from all the members of BVC including KRS-10 and Threigh, but also verses from the Yukon Emcee, Mighty 1 from Masta Mindz, MC Entropy (formerly of Wolfpac), and not to mention Deek McDeekula of WBCN fame. Even Killa B formerly of 7 Hill Psychos gets in on the fun and spits a verse on "146." If that wasn't enough, BVC throws a rework of their classic "SuperBitch" as a bonus track at the end of the disc.
Overall:
BVC has managed to progress where many bands have faltered. They have successfully added members to their group but still kept that family vibe and have come out closer than ever. Even the title "Ohana" is Hawaiian for family and this disc sure shows how well they can mesh together. Although it may not be as good as seeing their live performance, it sure delivers a solid sophomoric outing for the Blackstone Valley Crew. Rating:B/B+
Decibel Magazine was one of the better attempts to dethrone The Phoenix as local music God. It folded after a few years, and we archive some of their material here for the benefit of future generations.
