When a project brings together thematic influences, the music must reflect that. If someone drops a project about love, for example, their songs and production should reflect that. Otherwise, the project will be ill received. It will have missed its target. Action Bronson and The Alchemist, on Rare Chandeliers, thematically hit a slam dunk.

 

From the album cover, it looks like Bronson and ALC were going for a B-movie, exploitation type of sound. After listening, it seems as if they got what they wanted (and them some).

 

Action Bronson does what he does on this project: spit visuals, non sequiturs, and food references that only he can. On the Schoolboy Q featured “Demolition Man”, he weaves lyrics that references spaghetti, making lesbians cry, and how he “like his girls with African bodies and Asian face”. As he references “your mom butt naked cooking eggs like Ving Rhames on Baby Boy” on “Eggs On The Third Floor”, he even takes time to talk about getting bathed and wearing Polo robes on “Modern Day Revelations”. If one was expecting Action Bronson to waver from his regular lyrical lunacy, they can think again.

 

The Alchemist, as usual, brings his A Game to the forefront. Let me keep it real: there are no weak productions on here. From the funky guitar licks of “Dennis Haskins” and “The Symbol”, to the greatness that the vocal samples bring on “Bitch I Deserve You”, ALC doesn’t let the ears down. Even the highlight “Randy The Musical”, the title holds true: there are a few beats put together to make this happen. It is as if The Alchemist wanted to prove a point with this mixtape.

 

If there is anything we can gain from this, it is this: Action Bronson and The Alchemist can make great music together. If you were expecting mind blowing stuff, you can go elsewhere. However, if you looked at the album cover and expected some color lyrics over dusty and vibrant production, this album overachieved. I say to hell with breaking new ground. Rare Chandeliers proves that “sticking to what works” can bring some of the greatest results.