Lyrical genius and provocative rapper Tom Scott returns to the scene with a new project and album, ‘Avantdale Bowling Club’. The self-titled 8-track album is hard to place in a genre as ABC create a unique sound, a fusion of jazz and hip hop or, as Tom Scott states himself, “…irrelevant jazz from an island nation off the coast of Antarctica.” Maybe this is the invention of a new genre?

The suburb of Avondale, where Scott grew up provided inspiration to an album that is about him growing up and accepting responsibility. “It’s a self-help book addressed to myself,” he says.

Reflecting on personal changes and life circumstances (like having children of your own) that come with added decades, it also reflects lessons learned from previous projects. The first single and opening track, Years Gone By, is a beautiful introduction to the musical backdrop you are to expect throughout this (at first surprisingly) jazz-influenced album, which equally holds a strong hip hop style.

Tom Scott’s clever lyrics flow effortlessly. Singing beautiful melodies, slinging socially aware rap, entertaining with humour and making references that resonate with the listener. He has a natural talent to write poetry that everyone can relate to in some way or another, and he instinctively engages with your emotions; every song telling a story that’ll bring back memories, provoke, make you laugh or even bring a tear to your eye.

Covering the carefully measured jazz instrumentation ‘Avantdale Bowling Club’ features a stellar lineup of local musicians that include Julien Dyne, Isaac Aesili, Guy Harrison, Mara TK. Regular recording mate Haz Beats is back and his dad Peter Scott plays double bass on the closing instrumental Tea Break. The awareness, love and talent that have gone into this album result in a masterpiece and welcome new chapter of Tom Scott’s musical career. Cheers to the Years Gone By.