Macromantics
Moments in Movement
2007 | Kill Rock Stars
Melbourne-based rapper Romy Hoffman began her music career in the mid 1990s as the guitarist for Ben Lee’s Noise Addict. I’d be quick to compare this youngster to MIA, because most of this record is fun and easy to get into, but the work here shows more musical variety. Hoffman comes across as a straight-edged teen with her “proper” delivery and quick paced intensity. An even thought she is young Moments in Movement shows maturity and confidence.
The opening track “Miss Macro” is a lyrical open house if you will, cleverly welcoming us into her world of sputtering rhymes that are almost too quick to follow. Her vocals are so jam-packed into each verse it sounds like the song is going to snap into a thousand pieces. Other tracks like “Scorch” and “Bandwagon” are impressive and really catchy from start to finish. A guest appearance by Sage Francis on “Locksmith” exposes an eerie speak-and-spell sample which quickly unleashes Sage and Romy’s cool ramblings about their childhood. The chorus comes back again with the robotic message sealing this song’s greatness.
Hoffman continues to stun throughout the rest of this record with hints of Third Eye Foundation creeping up on a few songs. “Vaudeville” changes the vibe with metallic, dub-like sounds and a down tempo groove that is creepy. The darkness continues on the seven minute stunner “Generation.” It’s as if sampled strings and bells are being spun by ghosts.
While many rap albums rely on generic beats, cheesy lyrics, and dumb sampling Macromantics create songs that breathe and sway like you’re hearing the genre through a new voice. What I also loved about this record is the sincerity and complete lack of pretense; most rap/hip-hop glorifies the ghetto experience as a means, or excuse, to release any album. Romy Hoffman builds songs filled to the brim with smart vocal arrangements and verses overflowing with rhymes. The liner notes for each song are about as long as the Gettysburg Address. If you’re the lyrical type Moments in Movement is sure to hit the spot.
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