polaroids of androids

The two notable mishaps with the production-on-a-charge style of this EP - the consistently loud vocal level and the 'tin-can' pop sound - are far too distracting to make it an enjoyable listen. It's disappointing too, as Snob, if you manage to block out the overly obvious recycled hip-hop cliches, is a fairly consistent and engaging MC. If given a stronger backbone to work on I am sure that his delivery and playful style could have really flourished.

The American-born, yet Australian residing, rapper presents himself as something like a social commentator b-boy. He isn't the upgraded local version of Common Sense, nor is he likely to be providing the soundtrack for inner city breakdance kids. For the most part this safe middle ground makes Snob an inoffensive, albeit slightly unmemorable, lyricist.

He does an admiral job playing 'party starter' on the radio pushed single, There You Go Again, and also seems comfortable playing the storyteller role on the KRS-One inspired Mr Officer, but it's when Mr Scrilla goes deeper that he really finds his most consistent territory. The two middle tracks, Chasing Ghosts and Diametric Insomniac Society are not only the best arranged songs, but also feature the EP's most quotable lines. They focus less on getting commercial respect and more on the content of the message being delivered, and due to that come across as sounding a lot more complete.

Snob Scrilla's style isn't unique enough to make him a standout, yet isn't so mundane that he is ignorable. This seven track EP - featuring five originals and two remixes - doesn't consistently pack a hard enough punch to forcefully grab the listener. There are flashes of brilliance and originality, but there are also far too many moments which - even without the previously mentioned production shortcomings - are creatively weakened by the rapper's own take on proven formulas. Hopefully, next time around Snob will do it his own way, tighten up the accompanying music and focus a lot more on the overall impact, rather than just the instant appeal.