After the success of their previous single Wild Human Child, Manchester quartet Egyptian Hip Hop are back with a new EP, titled Some Reptiles Grew Wings. With Hudson Mohawke on production duties there was no doubting that their psychedelic roots would remain very much intact, and their quirky edge would be embellished. So it was no surprise when they released a bizarre demented video for the lead single from the EP; Middle Name Period.
Entirely instrumental, the lead single shows the strength the band have in finding a catchy yet authentic melody, an innovative track that will surely spawn numerous expertly crafted remixes. Elsewhere on the EP live favourite Rad Pitt has been reworked from demo versions, and cements itself firmly as the bands most complete work to date. “What are we today, enlighten me some other way“, croons lead singer Hewett, an accomplished track, showcasing an expansive, talented side to the group. Whilst many could see the inclusion of Rad Pitt as appealing to the Radio 1 listening-casual music lover, Middle Name Period and Native show that Egyptian Hip Hop understand and have confidence in their own ability to experiment and flirt ostentatiously with the boundaries set down for them by numerous chic blogs and magazines. The recordings are cleaner and more controlled, yet Some Reptiles Grew Wings shows that Egyptian Hip Hop are still light-years from compromising their independent beliefs.