Progressive rap group Injury Reserve has just released a new album on Wednesday, September 15th. Titled By The Time I Get To Phoenix, the new album looks to carry a momentous torch for the Arizona natives. This release follows their critically acclaimed self titled album which was released in 2019. In addition, the group has announced a global tour with dates spanning from October to February.
Injury Reserve is at a tragic crossroads with this new album. The group was founded by Stepa J. Groggs, Ritchie With a T, and producer Parker Corey in 2013. Unfortunately, the group experienced a tragic loss in 2020. The group announced the passing of Stepa J. Groggs in June of last year, which caused fans of the group and rap music to mourn the loss of a very young and talented MC.
While many wondered if this would mark the end of Injury Reserve, the remaining members were preparing their next album. Stepa was able to work on the majority of this new project, memorializing his amazing talents in the form of an exciting new release.
Injury Reserve Explores Abrasive Textures and Unique Production
By The Time I Get To Phoenix features amazingly intricate and abrasive production. While this is a characteristic of the group, they seem to take it to the next level with this album. The lead single “Knees” features incredible explosions of noise paired with sudden periods of silence. Musically, this song seems to represent the devastation that one experiences after losing a loved one. It is a reminder that life is consistently sudden and unexpected.
“SS San Francisco” features Zelooperz, the only featured artist on the album. This track features a descending bassline and mind-bending vocal passages that create very trippy textures. In addition, reverb is an integral element in this song’s production, as the drums are absolutely soaked in it.
Image via @injuryreserve on Instagram
This new album offers so much to think about in just 41 minutes. These songs operate as a memorial for the late Stepa J. Groggs, a loss that many Injury Reserve fans are still processing. Thematically, this album will pull at your heartstrings and allow you to be thankful for the moment. The group delivers a consistent and exciting project while progressing their sounds and pushing rap music to the next level. If you are looking for a completely new and refreshing take on rap music, I urge you to listen to By The Time I Get To Phoenix.
Stream ‘By The Time I Get To Phoenix’ By Injury Reserve
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