DICTATOR GO BOLD WITH BRAND NEW FOUR TRACK EP
EP REVIEW | DICTATOR – MIDDLE OF THE ROAD by Anne Kelly
It’s been over two years since West Lothian band Dictator released their critically acclaimed debut EP, Rubiks Cube, and this week they return with a brand new four track Middle Of The Road. Over the past couple of years Dictator have continued to defy the limits of genre, exploring the depths of tried and tested indie and injecting it with a trip-hopping freshness, an infusion of jazz, soul and everything in between. A band with no comfort zone, their efforts continue to mature and excite listeners beyond the Scottish border. Championed by This Feeling, BBC Introducing Scotland, John Kennedy’s X-Posure and now BBC Radio 6 Music, Dictator’s growing list of support only strengthens their credibility as one of the most interesting and unique sounds coming out of Scotland.
Middle Of The Road shines the spotlight on the band’s hip hop talents with each track capturing a different style and energy from that brief. Unlike their debut, Rubiks Cube [2022], this EP takes a different direction and whilst it doesn’t capture the same sentimental magic, it comes in boldly. Dictator have learnt a lot over the past few years whilst trying to pin-point their ‘sound’ and the biggest thing they have taken away is confidence.
Opening with ‘Figure It Out’, the track is probably the underdog of the four tracks. Much like ‘Conquistador’ divided fan opinion in EP 1, what ‘Figure It Out’ may lack grit with it’s nonchalant ambience, it makes up with it’s matured composition.
“I’m ageing like a fine wine. Don’t feel like I am falling behind” sings front man Michael, reflecting the entire energy of the track. There is nothing ‘rushed’ about ‘Figure It Out’; the song takes its well earned time to just breathe every beat. Having taken different formations in a live setting before, this final recording seems to have finally nailed down that swag the track needed. The big brass section to the french flirtation between the verse and chorus contribute such posture to the track that it can literally do what it wants. A confident opener which reassures the listener straight away.
‘1’z N 0’z’ is the only currently unreleased track on the EP, therefore the only real ‘surprise’ left for fans, but my goodness, there is absolutely no disappointment. A massive song which philanders heavily on the hip hop side of things, ‘1’z N 0’z’ features Chef The Rapper and has an unexpected cinematic quality to it. Getting straight to the point at just 36 seconds in, the track detonates beautifully before Chef takes over the verses. Spliced between the high octane of Michael’s vocals, the blend is melting. My only complaint? It ends abruptly after less than 2 and a half minutes. There could have easily been another verse thrown in there and produced an even bigger finale. However, the concept is there and it is very strong.
‘HL7’ was the first taster off Middle Of The Road when dropped back in October and is my own personal highlight from the track listing. The title pays tribute to legendary Celtic footballer Henrik Larsson and has everything you would expect from Dictator and more. ‘Kerching-ing’ in with an infectious click rhythm which carries throughout, the track builds with each layer adding to the mix something new to tap along to. Michael’s vocals really shine within ‘HL7’, offering up opportunities to showcase his soulful side whilst experimenting deeper with rapping yet still managing to retain his distinctively Scottish charm.
New Year release ‘El Niño’ rounds off this short trip with Dictator and it’s a somber one. 2022’s Rubiks Cube concluded with one of the bands most infectiously sing-a-long moments, ‘Fin’; a song which was dedicated to singer Michael’s own dog, Fin. ‘El Niño’ is a tribute to the same four legged friend who he recently had to wave over the rainbow bridge. Dealing with feelings of loss and grief is a sentiment that we can all resonate with on some level and this track captures that vulnerability in a simple and effective way . Translating literally as ‘Little Boy’, ‘El Niño’ is a poignant way to bring the EP to a natural close.
Choosing to shape Middle Of The Road in a more rhythmic direction to what they have offered previously was a bold, yet innovative move by Dictator. Giving these four tracks space to exist as main characters in their own narrative ensures the final product makes a statement about the band’s direction. They are a hip hop band as much as they are an indie band and they are not prepared to shy away from either.
For fans of the likes of Massive Attack and Portishead to those of Fontaines D.C. and Gorrilaz; Dictator will sound familiar yet 110% refreshing at the same time. Middle Of The Road will take just less than 15 minutes out of your day to spin, but be prepared to let Dictator stay in your life for many moments more.
Dictator celebrate their new release with a trio of live dates across the Scottish east coast this week as part of Independent Venue Week (IVW) starting in Dunfermline’s PJ Malloys.
30th January – PJ Molloy’s Dunfermline, Scotland
31st January – Beat Generator Dundee, Scotland
1st February – Drummonds Aberdeen, Scotland
Author
