The Expert – Vivid Visions

Dublin-based indie Hip Hop producer The Expert started his career with a couple of well-received instrumental records before serving up three collaborative efforts, each with a specific MC (Jermiside, Stik Figa, and NAHreally). Vivid Visions marks a bold new chapter in his burgeoning career, billed very much as a bona fide producer record.

20+ collaborators offer up verses in an array of styles, with seasoned names such as Buck 65, ShrapKnel, PremRock, and Blu ensuring the standard is high throughout. But make no mistake, The Expert is the central focus here, his rich and varied sonic palette enchanting the listener throughout. Psychedelic flourishes nod to The Avalanches and Peanut Butter Wolf, while the RZA is another obvious touchstone.

“Dreams,” which features Blu and Stik Figa, is my personal favourite, but “Take a Trip” earns a bonus credit for its MF DOOM reference (“unknown, like Zev with the mask off”).

Overall, Vivid Visions is a bold leap forward for The Expert. Indie rap connoisseurs will find a lot to love here, but dabblers in the genre may also be seduced by the record’s charming psychedelia.

Vivid Visions is out now via Rucksack Records.