“Clever and astute. United We Fall hits the mark both viscerally and intellectually.”
“Once you open your eyes, there ain’t no going back to closing your mind,” raps Mos Eisley on “Lead the Way,” one of 15 highly intelligent and defiantly political tracks on Sweatshop Union’s third release. While radio rappers argue over who’s got the shiniest Mercedes, this seven-member Vancouver collective takes on contentious topics like religious hypocrisy (“God Bless”), the addictive nature of money (“Never Enough”) and dishonesty in news media (“F.W.U.H.”). The rhymes are clever and politically astute and thanks to some fine production work — like the sinister bass line that guides “Office Space” — they never feel preachy. With its old-school beats and topical lyrics, United We Fall hits the mark both viscerally and intellectually.