Sage Francis - Li(f)e

Hip-hop isn’t dead, but it seems that any half-way sensible rapper feels a need to assert their relevance and adaptability into shifting musical landscapes. So the fact that the entire accompaniment on rap-laureate Francis’s new album comes from such alumni as Death Cab for Cutie, Calexico, Califone and DeVotchka is a surprise from the rapper who “never could get with guitar riff”.

Never one for a cheap gimmick – the odd prank phone call excluded – the coupling works perfectly. For those not in the know (shame!), Sage is an utterly critical wordsmith, dropping flabbergasting flows, bridging raw emotional wisdom and searing imagery. No surprise, then, that Li(f)e is beautiful, sublime and epic; sweeping strings, mournful slide guitar and maracas trump MPC production anytime. He’s not “trying to be a rock star like it’s his last hope” and despite the distraction of going steady with his own label, this ranks amongst Sage’s finest work. [Ali Maloney]