Release Date: 1 May 2026
Song Count: 14
Duration: 42 minutes, 40 seconds
Rating: 8.2/10
Description:
Song Count: 14
Duration: 42 minutes, 40 seconds
Rating: 8.2/10
Description:
A very localised recommendation from a friend of mine, today we have got a recent release from a hip-hop trio from Belfast, by the name of KNEECAP. Known for mixing both English and Irish in their tracks as well as for calling attention to political matters and free expression surrounding Ireland and the UK with their discography, the group have made a firm name for themselves through their outspoken stances and they specific way they are incorporated in the artistic medium of rap music. Their second and newest album from the start of this month, FENIAN, is exemplary of this, and comes in quite strongly with meaning and weight as well as aural merit behind it.
Dynamic and ear-catching compositions fill the scene as the three men keep an engaging yet organic-feeling flow of speech to match the musicality behind their rapping. The instrumentals primarily go their own lane in a classic old-school hip-hop sounding style, but frequently also take inspiration from electronic music and incorporate synthetic dance beats within, either way maintaining their catchiness and high energy. As for the lyricism and actual rap contents of the tracks, since it alternates between Irish and English in language and the musicians maintain their strong and overt accents throughout, it can sometimes be difficult to the untrained ear to make out the details of what is being commented on - however, the general themes of middle class Irish youth culture, the Gaza war, Irish republicanism and social inequality prove themselves to be easy to identify regardless of one's extent of prior knowledge on them.
Using the primary intent of rap music since its very beginnings as a tool for political and social expression to its fullest advantage, FENIAN channels in the charm and power of elements from older examples of gangster rap and comes forth as a successful piece of commentary packed into a musical medium. The tracks are both fun to listen to and carry deeper meaning, as symbolisms of Irish resistance are more than prevalent and do not shy away from being placed at the centre of the conversation. It is a rare instance of a work of contemporary hip-hop extracting the fullest potential out of its own genre and captivating a large sum of listeners, including those with a more narrow scope of taste in the style of music such as myself. A highly impressive album all around.