ZACK HEMSEY / Ronin [2013]

After steering off into more instrumental compositions on 2011's The Way, composer Zack Hemsey returns to his hip-hop vocal roots on 2013's menacingly pensive Ronin.
In his earlier work, Hemsey seemed to rely far too heavily on "cool" sounds and textures to carry his work but now it seems he's got a handle on mature songwriting and melodies.  The excellent atmospherics are still there only now they seem to serve more of a purpose rather than float around in ear-candy heaven.  Hemsey's vocal delivery might not be as fast-paced or quick-witted as his hip-hop peers but they speak of tales that prove more interesting, reminding me of earlier Tricky or 3D projects.  This is easily his most accomplished work to date.

4 colorful descriptions out of 5

Songs Of Note: Nice To Meet Me; Fade Away

ZACK HEMSEY / The Way [2011]

Starting off in the cinematic hip-hop project, Nine Leaves, composer Zack Hemsey has paved quite a nice road for himself over the course of his career.
The Way (the follow-up to his solo album debut, Empty Room) is a stunning visual-inducing album that's best saved for a rainy day. With's it's moody soundscapes and cinematic styled instrumentals, Hemsey's latest effort is more New Age music than hip-hop now. Only including a small handful of vocal tracks, The Way is more open to more listeners and is probably the best album to start off with.
He may not be a very original artist as his songs sound like clones of NIN, Hans Zimmer or Brian Eno but it's still a fine album for background listening while letting your creative juices flow.

3½ Redemptive Towns out of 5

Songs Of Note: Vengeance; End Of An Era