Ol Finn is back, this time with a self-produced LP composed of remastered tracks spanning back a six-year time period. The LP is named after his producing alias, ‘McVeigh’, and explores themes of a need for self-improvement, empowerment, and growth. ‘McVeigh’ sounds overall laidback and sensual, emoting feelings of nostalgia and self-empowerment. He mentions his crew ‘TAF’ throughout, strengthening the ties he has to the infamous Bristol graff crew.

Ol Finn has always tackled issues of identity; and the relation of identity in connection to the universe, through his lyrics, and this LP is no different. ‘Observing’ talks about learning and moving through feelings of depression by embracing inner love, trust, and freedom. ‘Think about freedom, the vision, and the view’ lyrics invite us to look at situations from another perspective and gain comfort through hindsight.

As well as melodic beats, the LP features upbeat bangers such as Funk Flex (featuring Studio Cat). The hook will have you nodding your head and reaching for the lighter; it's a summer tune with a classic boom-bap style call and response structure. I challenge you not to smile as you bob your head along!

Catchy and addictive, ‘What Ya Got?’ (featuring Studio Cat) heavily revolves around a repetitive piano chord sequence and sharp symbol taps. The single ‘What Ya Got?’ is accompanied by a music video that was shot whilst Ol Finn traveled throughout Indonesia. The video features clips of locals from the area and has a genuine warmth to it.

The track ‘Family’ takes a deeper look into interpersonal family dynamics and gives us a glimpse inside the sometimes anxious mind of Ol Finn. He talks about needing to move on in life and leave negative shit behind and touches on the volatile relationship he has with his parents. He points out that his relationship with his Dad was non-existent however it now results in tears as they work hard to build the bridges previously considered burnt. Although the lyrics start somber, adlibs such as ‘the clouds let me drift off’ paint a picture of contentment and hope for the future.

‘Run’ is a bluesy number that kicks off by raising a glass to the TAF crew. Ol Finn’s flow is reminiscent of the scratching of a record with its choppy tempo. Tracks such as ‘What’ act as the bread and butter of the LP and hold the whole project together with effortless style.

Expect lo-fi vinyl crackles, snappy snares, and lots of well-thought-out boom-bap style hooks. The ‘McVeigh’ LP proves that Ol Finn has no intention of slowing down as he masters his craft further; he proves himself once more as one to watch in the UK Hip-hop scene.

‘McVeigh’ is now streaming on all major music platforms.

Words: Jessica Holmes