Album Review: Bob Vylan - 'Bob Vylan Presents The Price Of Life'
Being the biggest faces and loudest voices of POC Britain right now, Bob Vylan are paying it forward in a backwards culture with The Price Of Life.
Being no strangers to fusing genres to tell their stories, the two-piece have followed their 2021 record We Live Here with a continuing commentary on the downfalls of their native United Kingdom based on their own and others’ experiences. ‘Must Be More’ touches on the dissatisfaction of a life not truly lived due to the disadvantages of low wealth and working-class upbringings; a more relevant subject now than ever as bills are hitting an all time high and most families are living through the lowest wages. This is told with a heavy rap and hip-hop influence, on top of the act’s usual rock sound that made them living legends right now in the scene.
‘GDP’ was one of the band’s biggest singles released in support of the record, and is a three-minute criticism of the BBC and nationwide news broadcasters which branches out to discuss controversial leaders, knife crime and dealing drugs. Over the last few years, most people in the UK and around the world have voiced their complaints about news corporations and how certain stories and topics are covered to the public - Bob Vylan are bringing these complaints compacted, composed with a loud catchy tune, to the ears of those who agree and those who argue. No matter where you stand, you can’t ignore it.
The Price Of Life is raw, real, autobiographical and biographical, displaying the truth of the last few years - decades - and what inequality looks, feels and sounds like. It’s worth a listen if you agree or disagree. Your eyes will open, your ears will prick up, your heart will break and your mind will run wild with new thoughts and contemplations.
Hand over the cash and take the change - this is The Price Of Life.
Words by Jo Cosgrove
