Beagle Boyz - Beagle Boyz
There’s something to be said about artists that respectfully utilise pop-culture references to cultivate an album. The most noticeable example in the underground scene is Kevin and the Bike’s Dorkcore 101, an album that builds an entire universe around a side character in the cartoon network show Ed, Edd & Eddy. Beagle Boyz takes it a step further and utilises a side character from the Donald Duck universe, almost as if the artist had nothing else original to say. Nonetheless, the result is quite enjoyable, albeit baron of fresh ideas.
Their debut self-titled was released on October 31st, 2021. Throughout its 26-track length, there was not a single original idea. Regardless, the sample use added plenty of personality to the LP, as did it invigorate the transitions. While most of the tape regurgitated ideas from the MF Doom sample/hip-hop era (at one point it just straight-up lazily samples MF Doom and Madlib), there were plenty of standout moments of creative song ideas. Crimewave’s soundscape is as dense and memorable as it is brief. BIRDS is upbeat and enjoyable. The album mostly falls apart when a vocalist appears, such as during BENCHPRESS MONEY STACKS and Roll Call. The delivery is plain and amateurish, and completely kills the flow of the album.
Individual flaws aside, the album’s biggest problem is it’s a giant rip-off. Had the album tried to innovate beyond its influences, it may have come with a recommendation. Unironically, the Beagle Boyz samples are the only saving grace. Enjoyable, yet disposable.
Below Average
Listen to it here:
Beagle Boyz - Beagle Boyz
