iTCH is gearing up to release
his highly anticipated debut album, 'The Deep End' on the 24th March through
Red Bull Records. He is currently out on the road supporting dan le sac vs Scroobius Pip on their
massive UK tour.
We were excited to check out iTCH’s new material so headed down to
Stylus at Leeds University to see his live show…
Stylus, here at Leeds University, is just about full
to the brim as Camden rapper iTCH takes
to the stage supporting dan le sac Vs
Scroobius Pip on their UK tour. iTCH isn’t
one to mess around and brings his unique style and enthusiasm from the off.
Determined to get the crowd moving, he isn’t satisfied until the entire venue
is a sea of dancing. With a short support slot, he doesn’t waste a second and
fills the set with mainly new material from his debut solo album, ‘The Deep
End’. Although new song heavy, which often leaves the crowd craving something
they know, tonight’s in set still commands a sing-a-long in mass from the crowd.
Even songs on their first outing are catchy enough to join in.
The ex King
Blues front-man certainly has a knack for an infectious chorus. Spoken word
fused with elements of electro, dubstep and especially techno in newer
offerings, the set certainly makes you sit up and pay attention. Former single
‘Homeless Romantics’ (which features Taking
Back Sunday’s Adam Lazarra) is percussive, stirring and undeniably
powerful. iTCH’s songs have a clear political
message and, a ball of energy, he puts his all into delivering them. It
wouldn’t be an iTCH gig without a few
spontaneous antics, oh and the crying baby head. The former consists of the
front-man getting out amongst the crowd; they may have been a little timid to
begin with, but iTCH’s movements are
like a tidal wave and by the end of album title track, ‘The Deep End’, everyone
is under his command. And the crying baby? Well that’s iTCH’s accomplice; the keyboardist sports a huge realistic crying
baby head. We wouldn’t expect anything less from iTCH. More stripped back than the last time we saw him headlining
the Vans Kevin Says Tour, the stage show isn’t any less entertaining. New
material such as ‘Children of The Revolution’ and latest single ‘Life Is
Poetry’ are both eclectic and impressive. The self confessed rebel street
musician is pushing musical boundaries; his influence and genre defying songs
may be hard to pigeon hole but that’s exactly why they work.Highlight of the
evening comes from ‘Best Shot’. The surprising favourite is an absolute blend
of hip-hop and punk and is simple yet powerful; “I will not be moved, I am a
rock, show me what you got. Give me your best shot”. 8/10
The Deep End
includes the singles ‘Best Shot’, ‘Homeless Romantic’ (feat. Taking Back Sunday’s Adam Lazarra) and
the forthcoming single ‘Life Is Poetry’, released March 17th. Other guest
vocalists lending their talents to the album include US artist Matisyahu and Less
Than Jake’s Roger Manganelli.
Pre-order the
album now - http://itch.sandbaghq.com/
CLICK HERE to read our interview with iTCH from last year
