Album: Regal Club “Regal Club”

Inner circles and underworlds have always captured the imagination of many who long to be privileged enough to be amongst the chosen few. This album markets exclusivity as Missouri artists Alvo & J.Cruz offer you a glimpse into their members only club. 

Littered with various luxurious, menacing, and motivational anthems, Alvo and J.Cruz mesh seamlessly on their latest full length effort appropriately titled “Regal Club”. 

The Missouri pairing based out of St. Louis display a lyrical aptness and a penchant for wordplay, emitting the bravery often adopted by few to crave out their own lane. Alvo the executive producer handles the bulk of the production. Shockingly, producing every track with the exception of one, but still providing a versatile pallet for himself, & J. Cruz to keep the listeners enthused. 

The album intro opens solemnly with ghostly fiddled keys. As the duo welcomes listeners into their exclusive club. The intro track “Already” is served as an H’Orderve.  Presented with obnoxious drums and braggadocio lyrics as stated in the chorus “Already iced the neck, you already know what’s next, caught her, looking, you already know what’s next, already ice the wrist, you already know what’s next, Regal Club in here, already know what’s next” establishes the setting. Also, offers the listener a glimpse into the exclusive tour that Regal Club has you readying to embark. 

The second track transitions into their first single “Flow” Dark themed instrumental which could challenge any Emcee. Regal Club approaches this beat displaying their dexterity taking on an eclectic sound and finding their groove. 

The main course is served with the third track titled “Tomorrow”. The only record produced outside of the group which is a standout for a myriad of reasons besides the aforementioned. Alvo & J Cruz lyrically pounce on this record with aphorisms and purposeful content. The backdrop is cinematic with the claps doused in reverb giving the listener the feeling of heavy rain drops splashing into a pool of water. As the chorus states “Rainy days they always dry up, pour some liquor in this dry cup, I’m dodging all this bad luck.” 

The embodiment of this motivational track can be summarized by this one bar. 

 “Blue coupes,  top missing, blue skies, with the ribbon, no handouts nothing was ever given”

This track epitomizes the album’s intentions. 

Both Alvo and J. Cruz seem to be in their element on this particular recorded spewing inspirational sentiments. 

The next two records “Soul Food” & “Spooky” are both layered with kooky soundscapes that finds the pairing gloating of their affinity for finer things and their exploits with women. 

The two dignitaries of their own club start to pick up the tempo and the trajectory of the album with “Money Showers” which is emblematic of their ownership prowess. The lyrics get more precise with intent. Evident with lines like “People asking how I’m paid, I mind mines and trim the haze”... “I want my money in lump sums fuck crumbs”. 

By this juncture of the album you feel welcomed as an exclusive member enduring the initiation process and pledging your allegiance to the club. Now it’s time to enjoy the perks. 

The next selection “Turn Over” is produced with reversed pitched piano keys and melodic synths this is one of the best produced tracks on the album and lends itself to a ruminating atmospheric sound which is honed by two well crafted verses from the Regal Club pairing. 

Right when you feel privy to being exposed to the perks of the club. The duo unveils the secrets of the “Underworld” on the subsequent track. Doubling down on their messaging of elevation and evolution with bars like “What’s the motto, I’m staying true to self, on my way to amassing wealth”. This track is a fun filled, celebratory anthem. A symposium held by the club. 

“After Hours” is laced with an eerie beat, and some clever lines, but for me an after thought that fit oddly compared to other tracks listed. 

The last record on project “Next Up” follows suit with some of the motivational mantras established earlier. This track in conclusion sums up the albums purpose and also gives way to the duo’s future. As uttered in the chorus “Yesterday came and went” letting go of the past and focusing on the now seems to be a recurring theme throughout the album. 

This album is about, aspiration, ownership, affirmation, and identifying with ones own uniqueness and exclusivity. Letting go of things of the past embracing the moment, empowering oneself throughout the journey, and proving durable. All of these attributes are badges that are earned and the fundamental prerequisites to enter the “Regal Club”. 

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