THE TONGUE – SURRENDER TO VICTORY

Surrender To Victory, the third album for freestyle prince Xannon Shirley (AKA The Tongue) opens with the glittering vocals of Ngaiire on Bittersweet, followed by the booming Champion Sound featuring Suffa from Hilltop Hoods fame and a solid single, in Drums – arguably three of the best tracks on the whole album. With such a strong start, it’s surprising that The Tongue can maintain this onslaught of refreshing rap and smooth beats through till the end of the record, but that’s exactly what happens. The Tongue’s knack for rap is astounding and producer Cam Bluff has succeeded in making this record sound slicker than slick. (KD)

***(1/2)