Ali Bla Bla – Island (2021)
When Ali Bla Bla took us on a wild night out in ‘Speedy Coke’ we couldn’t help but have an absolute blast. Well, the rapper and multi-instrumentalist is back with a heavier topic in ‘Island’. Backed by a moody punk band, he looks at growing up as an immigrant in England touching on racial identity, the rise of the far-right and the impact of the current political and social climate.
Written by Ali after he experienced a number of post-Brexit situations, the single is one a lot of people can identify with. Talking about some harsh truths, he opens up with an honesty and authenticity that hits harder than the guitar riffs. While he takes on something quite heavy, this has all been wrapped up in his infectious style.
‘Island’ has a really moody opening brought about by the deep guitar tones of the band. There are some hip-hop beats resting over the guitar-driven melody. This brings a perfect melding of Ali’s rap-rock style with the punk of the band. The layering of the music also helps to bring the multi-dimensional world we live in to the soundscape. The punk rock tones are a depth of sadness that the current climate in the UK has brought for immigrants in the country while the rap and hip-hop tones are the anger they feel about this.
Ali’s vocals are heavy-hitting as he pulses his emotions through the blistering pace of his rap. The lyrics are easy to connect with for everyone listening whether they have an immigrant background or not. Through his performance, he works through the punch that came with Brexit and the anger this causes in those who have grown up with an immigrant background. On the chorus, he hits out with a more melodic flow after the angry call of his rap which showcases the deep sadness everything has caused.
As with his last single, the accompanying music video is an absolute masterpiece. With Ali singing to the camera in a London backdrop you get into his performance. This is interspersed with new clips and images that drive the messaging of the track home. This is a very hard-hitting music video that uses a relatively simple premise to help all watchers connect with the emotions of the track.
Ali Bla Bla takes on the implications of growing up as an immigrant in England and the emotions the current political and social climate has in ‘Island’. The moody punk undertones of the track form a twilight sadness while the hip-hop tones create the more explosive emotions being brought out in people. His lyrics hit right at the heart of the situation while laying it all out in a way that everyone can connect with.
Find out more about Ali Bla Bla on his website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
