Reprising his 2023 debut album Weather The Storm, legendary MC, Visionobi is back, teaming up with a slew of producers to deliver the introspective ‘Open Book’ EP. Across the 4 chapters contained in this volume, Visionobi displays the different strings to his lyrical bow across productions ranging from light to dark, resulting in a story that you’ll find yourself reading again and again.

‘Oculus’ lurches into life with a sparse but suggestive bass laden intro. Visionobi’s familiar wordplay comes to the fore very early and serves as a stark reminder of the work that goes into his bars. The drop brings more variation to the bassline and warped guttural tones to flank the minimalist but well-crafted drums. The half time sections throughout the track give more space for the production to shine through and provides a strong platform for Visionobi to showcase his visionary writing and expansive vocabulary.

On ‘Self Love’ Visionobi laces thought-provoking lyrics with a vulnerability and eloquence that match his eclectic style. Swerving the traditional ‘song’ format, he opts for an onslaught of bars, bearing an intimate angle of self-reflection and affirmation. Flying in the face of the algorithm, this track is a stark contrast to chapter one, proving Visionobi’s versatility as a writer & performer.

The intro for ‘Pyromancer’ is laden with muted guitar licks and distant drums before the aural arsonist that is Visionobi ignites another lyrical lightsource. The lyricism is matched by a suitably flammable track with vintage In:Most atmospheres and a gnarly Vektah-esque bassline to sit alongside the snappy drums. This track is sure to set both nightclub sound systems and headphones alight.

Finally, the title track ‘Open Book’ features production from longtime friend Phil Robinson, better known as his musical alter-ego Philth. After collaborating twice on ‘Weather the Storm’ the pair are clearly still on the same page when it comes to delivering a strong closing act to the masterpiece.

Landing in all good stores on the 29th of November. Bookmark the date, stop doom-scrolling and open a book, with this ludicrously lyrical EP.

Released November 29, 2024 on Soulvent Records

H/T Soulvent Records.