Fans of Long Island-based rapper Aesop Rock are likely to be pleased with his latest release, None Shall Pass.  Aesop, known for his off-the-wall and non-mainstream lyrical content, as well as his ferocious, synthetic beats, may have created an album that is more technical and more melodic, but the social/political content, hard-nosed beats and oddball, schizophrenic antics found on his previous releases can also be found on his latest release.  

The album starts off with the booming track "Keep Off the Lawn." After an echoing, slow introduction, the song suddenly takes off with an Aesop-style, melodic beat.  This is one of many tracks on the album that combines a slow, steady drum kick with multiple eerie sounds and samples. Following “Keep Off the Lawn” is the techno-influenced title track of the album.  The song mimics the style found on Aesop’s Daylight EP, but also features a melodic dance style that Aesop has seldom shown.  Aesop again changes styles for the old-school, scratch-up-filled song “Bring Back Pluto.”  Lyrically, the song advocates for simplicity and common sense in an age of technology and irrationalism.   

For the album’s sixth track, “Getaway Car,” Aesop is joined by fellow white rapper Cage, who is perhaps best known for his feud with Eminem.   The song evokes some of Aesop’s earlier work because of its fast pace.  Following “Getaway Car” is “39 Thieves,” perhaps the most social/political track on the album.  The scratched-up chorus that says, “The people are dead, but the money keeps talking” sums up the track’s message and Aesop’s critique of western culture.  Despite his gripes with the system, Aesop admits that the dollar is God.   

The album’s momentum continues with “Citronella,” an explosive, crunchy track, which ends with a two-minute a cappella.  On the next track, “Gun for the Whole Family,” Aesop enlists the help of fellow weatherman and Def Jux partner-in-crime EL-P, who mixes up the track perfectly with his 16-bar, quick-as-a-gun verse, which gels nicely with Aesop’s slower flow. The chorus on the track features a hardcore-style breakdown and repeats, "It's all about the box cutter/slow dance/popcorn/popcorn." The lyrics illustrate Aesop's nutty, schizophrenic side.  

Finally, the album winds down with its two strongest tracks, “Dark Heart News” and "Coffee.” On “Dark Heart News,” producer Rob Sonic contributes to a switch-off, verse-by-verse style, pioneered by the Lox.  Sonic’s straight-forward vocals combined with Aesop’s futuristic flow create a perfect harmony.  The cuts and scratches on the track are also reminiscent of the glory days of hip-hop. 

The final track, “Coffee,” comes across as Aesop’s poppy, synthesized anthem of the album.  The song blends a melodic techno sound with Aesop’s smartass realism.  “At the end of the day/you gotta answer to you/at the end of the volatile day,” Aesop says, offering a metaphor for being happy with who you are and finding your own voice. 

Overall, None Shall Pass was not a let down.  The album may have caused some criticism because it garnered some mainstream attention, after Aesop appeared on MTV2, but the basics that have been a fundamental part of Aesop’s music are still found on his latest release.

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