Review
A.P.O.S.T.L.E.
Lyrical Activism

Seven Soldiers (2008) Kevin Fitzpatrick

A.P.O.S.T.L.E. – Lyrical Activism cover artwork
A.P.O.S.T.L.E. – Lyrical Activism — Seven Soldiers, 2008

So

the question is: can you teach without preaching?

A.P.O.S.T.L.E. believes you can. Despite the connotations the name might produce, the man knows that once you preach, you judge. And once you judge, the listening stops. This is, of course, working on the assumption that there is listening to begin with. The new wave of socially conscious hip-hop (Mos Def, Flobots, Dälek) has forced even the most apathetic among us to prick up our lazy ears and take heed.

Lyrical Activism is a powerful album that is in great danger of falling below the majority's radar for its lack of the one thing - the almighty thing that really, truly is the only thing to grab the masses attention and that's the infallible hook. That special something is what connects on purely the most superficial of levels but it can then be used to draw in the listener to pay attention to the ever-more important message hidden deeper within. Those already seeking the message don't need it spoon-fed to them with such an obvious device, but to break through the skulls of the inattentive, it has become a sad necessity. The lack of this however does nothing to diminish the power that this album has to illicit thought and pause. A.P.O.S.T.L.E. wants us to "develop our mind through mental emancipation" and does this with personal stories, not grandiose big picture scenarios, knowing that change, real change, starts from within and how we choose to act or not act rests squarely on the shoulders of each and every one of us.

A.P.O.S.T.L.E. – Lyrical Activism cover artwork
A.P.O.S.T.L.E. – Lyrical Activism — Seven Soldiers, 2008

Recently-posted album reviews

Summer Blue

Self Titled EP
New Morality Zine (2025)

You may not be familiar with the band Summer Blue, but that’s your issue. If you do know the San Jose, CA based band, then you know how enjoyable they are to listen to. For some background for the newcomers, the band started in 2022 as a side project between friends already orbiting the Bay Area DIY and indie scenes. … Read more

Relay For Death

Mutual Consuming
Helen Scarsdale Agency (2025)

At a time when experimental artists are constantly churning out new music, it is curious to find some that take their time. Rachel and Roxann Spikula might not be the most prolific creatives, but when they make an appearance, it is worth paying attention. The twin sisters have performed in Towering Heroic Dudes and Boyzone, but it is their own … Read more

Scorching Tomb

Ossuary
Time To Kill (2025)

Whenever I see the cover art of an album for a metal band and there’s impaled skulls, blood, and a logo I can’t read, I know I’m getting ready to get obliterated. If I’m at the record store, I instantly flip it to the spine of the album to see the band’s name so I can check them out on … Read more