London-based producer Decksterror has officially returned with his second extended play, marking a significant milestone in his evolving career. Originally known under the moniker G-Man, the artist co-founded Hollow Sun Records alongside Cosm in the spring of 2020, shortly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following his full-length solo debut, Black/Gold Stash, he solidified his position as an in-house producer for the Croydon-based underground imprint, Hidden Hobby Records. His debut for the label, Love & Honour, set a high bar, and this latest installment serves as a highly anticipated follow-up that further cements his reputation.

A Masterclass in Boom Bap Production

The EP opens with “Democracy Manifest,” featuring Ill Sykes, Kakarot, and Lomax. The trio delivers hard-hitting, classic bars over a gritty boom bap instrumental, setting an aggressive tone for the project. This is immediately followed by “The Source Code,” where Lomax asserts his lyrical dominance, clarifying the project’s thematic intent. Ill Sykes returns on “Terminal Horizon,” utilizing sharp horn samples to emphasize the weight of his lyricism, while “Tony Stark / Speed of a Train” by Murkerz provides a dusty, two-part transition that anchors the EP’s mid-section.

Collaborative Depth and Lyrical Precision

The latter half of the project showcases the strength of the Hidden Hobby Records roster. Body Bag Ben and DreMilla join forces on “P.A.K. (What Does It Mean?),” a track that highlights their technical prowess in the realm of battle rap. The project concludes with “The Golden Eye,” featuring a powerhouse lineup of Juga-Naut, Micall Parknsun, Montener the Menace, and Teach ‘Em. This final track offers a raw, luxurious soundscape, exploring the artists’ commitment to their craft and the frustration of dealing with those who lack genuine experience in the culture.

Final Verdict

Coming just over a month after DJ Sam Seed’s The Unaligned, this sequel to Love & Honour proves that Hidden Hobby Records is currently enjoying its most prolific year to date. While the guest features show marked improvement—particularly in the project’s backend—it is ultimately Decksterror’s production that remains the focal point. His ability to curate a cohesive sound while elevating his collaborators makes this EP a standout release.

Score: 7/10