Over 250 seconds of the famous opening track of 'Humble As The Sun', Bob Villain distills a lifetime's manifesto. In the closing moments of 2022's “…Presents the Price of Life,” the London duo, consumed with righteous indignation, passionately declare war on the racist infrastructure of the country they reluctantly call home. But two years later, they returned with a new mindset. Set over church-like keyboards and a steady, meditative pace, with Nottingham singer Gerb's resonant vocals acting as a gentle foil, the pair present an album that still sounds frustrated and vital, but also aggressive. I decided to prioritize positivity and choose hope. “Now the sun is rising / I’m gonna melt this glass ceiling / WATCH ME SHINE,” vocalist Bobby sings, and a light, jungle-inspired beat brings the track to a close.
From there, Bob Villain's third song picks up the pace considerably, from the electronic prodigy nodding beat of “Reign” to the wandering punk of “Dream Big,” this deliberate shift in perspective from aggression to They are fine-tuning their message of rebellion. The former track makes a cheeky joke about having his Mercury Prize taken away from him rather than being held at gunpoint, while the latter is a call to arms to keep hope alive even when life gets tough. There is. “Right Here” samples Fatboy Slim Track's famous use of Angela Bassett's voice, spitting deft bars (“Does my hair make you nervous? Good, you deserve it”). / Appetite for Chaos, I Venus Meet It”), before landing firmly (right)) Occasionally; recent single “Makes Me Violent” is about a situational depression inflicted by Seattle grunge debate, still deciding on a 'no-violence' path, while the relatively caustic 'Ring The Alarm' is a mix of nasty riffs and drum'n'bass. The beat – follows this dynamic journey and hits harder. “I see Lucifer on Earth / Dressed up like the Met,” Bobby sneers.
The record ends with the triumphant thrash of “Still Here.” “They'll never take me alive/I survived, I survived, I survived.” While there is still a resolute middle finger being given to Bob Vaillant and the forces that seek to suppress the black and working class populations for whom they are fighting, it is also being given from the top of the podium. These were also words shouted with great joy. There's still a lot to be furious about in Bob Villain, but 'Humble As The Sun' is a great exercise in shifting focus. After all, as the old saying goes, the best revenge is living well.