CD Review: Circumference

Resolutionary

Hometown boy Circumference hits the Southwest with underground hip-hop. The self-taught musician layers beats, scratches and catchy hooks with well-put-together rhymes for an album that is critical of the mainstream hip-hop and rap community.

Circumference begins the album alone, and on that path his flow comes naturally. But by the fifth track, “Making Tracks,” he’s joined by other members of the local hip-hop scene. Swami Skinny, Mister Kali and Ribixzu—the band Circumference formed to play live shows—add touches of Indian music, reggae and rock, thereby adding depth to the album.

Resolutionary

is a solid album by a local MC and instrumentalist who is trying to break through to a larger audience, but proud of his New Mexico heritage. The rhymes are solid but at times Circumference seems to slow his flow down for fear that the words will be lost. The positive hip-hop that Circumference spouts is a refreshing alternative to rhymes about money and women. Here’s hoping he “breaks the borders of New Mexico state.”

with Rubixzu, La Junta, Mister Kali, DJ Dynamite Sol, Shantal, Swami Skinny and DJ Aztech Sol

6-10 pm Friday, Aug. 22. $6

1614 Paseo de Peralta
505-989-4423

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