Death is Silent

by Kno

I'd been looking forward to this for a while (although not as long as I've been anticipating his promised Chico and the Man collaboration with Tonedeff), and this album has not disappointed.

Kno is the producer, and sometimes rapper for the Cunninlynguists, a Southern hip-hop group that has evolved from a joker, novelty act into serious and mature makers of quality music.  Kno's beats, both on this project and for his group are delicate, ethereal affairs, full of morose beauty (and usually sped up Chipmunk-voiced hooks).

He applies the same sensibility here, and creates some very lovely beats (the full album instrumentals play after the songs finish, and can be played on their own and be just as satisfying as the songs).  Kno contributes lyrics to most of the songs, and while he is not as accomplished on the mic as he is on the boards, he holds his own here.

He's joined on this project by fellow 'Lynguits Natti and Deacon the Villain, regular QN5 mainstays Tonedeff and Substantial, and solo artists Sheisty Khrist, Thee Tom Hardy, and Tunji.  It's a nice album, although I feel I have to admit that no single song stands out in my mind.  It's more of a gestalt thing I think...