Atlantis: Hymns For Disco

K-Os reaches deeper into his musical repertoire

After winning three Juno Awards for his hugely successful sophomore release, Joyful Rebellion, what could K-Os do next? Certainly not to stop. Canada's own K-Os (aka Kevin Brereton, Knowledge of Self) returns with his third solo album Atlantis: Hymns for Disco. The award winning rapper, singer, songwriter and producer provides a fourteen track release which has guest appearances from Sam Roberts, Kevin Drew and Buck 65. Coming from a purely musical standpoint (instead of a hip hop standpoint), this album is a serious piece of work. If you're expecting the hip hop version of K-Os, then proceed with caution. While his past efforts were an equal mix of everything (rock, roots reggae, rap, acoustic, etc), this album is about the same, but with a lot more rock this time around. Eclectic collection Atlantis: Hymns for Disco is a mix of non-gangsta rap, vintage soul, and a touch of religion, all held together with some irresistibly danceable rhythm tracks. The lyrics as usual frequently focus on promoting a positive message while at times expressing criticism of mainstream hip-hop culture's obsession with money, fame and glorification of violence.

Today K-Os sings more

The combination of strong melodies and K-Os's verbal dexterity means that Atlantis: Hymns for Disco is filled with a brilliance that rarely lets up. Opening track Electrik Heat - The Seekwill sets the tone by mixing rapid-fire lyrics with '80s hip-hop beats and samples, courtesy of world-renowned turntablist Lil Jaz. K-Os's soul-filled vocals take center stage on The Rain, with all the smoothness of Stevie Wonder or Marvin Gaye circa 1966. It's an exceptional joint where K-Os takes his singing to new levels. The album's biggest collabration has K-Os teaming up with Kevin Drew and Sam Roberts on the fast paced Valhalla. K-Os sings more on this album then either of his previous releases and on the distinct CatDiesel he drops the occasional rhyme. The upbeat Black-Ice: Hymn For Disco follows, feeling K-Os melodic chorus on this cut, which is followed up by Slick Rick sounding rhymes. K-Os slows things down for Highway 7, soulfully singing to God. Ballad of Noah has K-Os collabing with fellow Canadian artist Buck 65 for another memorable track. K-Os delivers another great album with Atlantis: Hymns For Disco - substantial music that vibes well.

K-Os has a little something for everyone

Atlantis: Hymns for Disco is another example of how he was born to do what he does. Speak to people whilst delivering great music and not just a manufactured beat that loops throughout the track. What we have here is nothing short of a masterpiece. K-Os has definitely managed to create his own sound, but this album is more than that. The music on this album is just a pleasure to listen to; even without the brilliance of Kevin Brereton, even if you're not into what he brings to the table, this is just good music. K-Os has a little something for everyone and he continues to deliver his music in a way that's head and shoulders above the music of his contemporaries. However, K-Os has some problems with Atlantis: Hymns for Disco. One of them is that while the music is always outrageous and fun, K-Os takes a backseat lyrically. And while he has said that this is his most personal disc to date, besides his heart broken tales on The Rain and Highway 7 many of the tracks don't hit home lyrically. But that's just a small complaint on an otherwise epic album.