Sometimes a project comes together that even in your wildest dreams you couldn't predict. Who would have ever thought that Kool Keith and Ice T would work together on an entire project? At first glance, they have quite different styles, but on the Analog Brothers, these two underappreciated veterans blend together quite well.

Despite what anyone might tell you though, Analog Brothers is not just about Keith Korg and Ice Oscillator (as they're known for this project). Mark Moog, Rex Roland, and Silver Synth (who also appeared on Keith's latest solo album, Matthew as Black Silver) are just as important to this collective, and shouldn't be relegated to the background.

The production here is different from everything, unless you've been listening to a lot of Kool Keith. It's not the same by any means, but it retains the same bugged out flavour. The sounds used are mostly full and warm, probably in the interest of sounding as analog as possible. Being relatively simple, it doesn't fit the current paradigm of beats, but the beats will keep your head nodding nevertheless.

The lyrics are exceptional on this project. Keith is his usual insane self, proving that Keith Korg is just another personality rumbling around in his twisted skull. Ice T sounds better than I've heard him in years, maintaining his hardcore, dangerous edge, while embracing a slightly more intellectual delivery. Relative newcomers Mark Moog and Rex Roland respond admirably when asked to provide vocals. The real story lyrically though is Silver Synth, who absolutely demolishes every mic put in front of him. Guest lyricists do their job as well, from Odd Oberheim (one of Ice's proteges), to the Rhyme Syndicate to Jacky Jasper, who is familiar to fans of the Dr. Dooom album.

Some tracks here are quite accessible, while others require a certain open-mindedness on the part of the listener. The tracks that stand out in my head are: "Analog Brothers Intro" which is very effective at introducing the members of the crew and their styles. "More Freaks" features sex styles from the Oscillator, Korg and Moog. "Analog Annihilator vs. Silver Synth" is quite simply that dirty, bassline centred beat featuring Keith, Ice and Silver providing blazers. "Perms Baldheads Afro's & Dred's" is my personal favourite on the album, with a walking guitar and great bassline as a backdrop to very heady rhymes. Silver provides the verse of the day on this one and Mark Moog puts on quite the lyrical display as well. "War" with its backdrop of cuts along with a short piano riff and simple drum line effectively showcases the Art of War lyrics on this track. "We Sleep Days," is familiar territory for Ice, as the Analog Brothers share pimp visions over a soulful, funky beat. Peep Jacky Jasper's brilliant guest verse too.

A very complete album in terms of lyrics, production and concepts, Analog Brothers is an island in a sea of unoriginality. Open your mind a little and have a good listen, analog is definitely not dead.