Posted on 04/21/2009
Mayday, a hip-hop quintet hailing from Miami, found modest success two years ago with their underrated eponymous debut, which featured the fun-as-hell single "Groundhog Day." But there was much more to the group than their catchy ode to putting up with the "same shit, different day," even if Cee-Lo turned the hook into a monster. And their new EP, The Thinnest Line, displays just what they are capable of, even if it feels unfinished.

This pseudo-concept mini-album dedicated to Valentine's Day tackles what the group outlines as "both sides of a double-edged sword." And across several topic-spanning tracks, Mayday does just as they envisioned. They easily and tactfully jump from love-at-first-sight soliloquies ("Everything") to walk-of-shame regrets ("Habitual Line Stepper"). And, of course, they inject a bitter cut into the mix with "Evil." It's a more pop-skewed effort propelled by a handclap- and synth-laden beat over which emcees BernBiz and Wrekonize switch up their speedy flows for a sing-song approach.

Though all the songs on here are solid enough, they leave you wanting more. And spinning The Thinnest Line again doesn't exactly satiate that craving. It might seem overly-critical to put an EP on blast for being short, but it's not only the fact that it features four songs – well, six, but that's counting two instrumentals. "Evil," for example, feels out of place and deserves a likeminded, poppy accompaniment. As it is, the track stands out for not encompassing the vibe of the other cuts, even if it does work. Similarly, the otherwise fine "Habitual Line Stepper" draws too heavily from the aforementioned "Groundhog Day" for its hook and tempo. That leaves "Everything" at the top of pops, though the mostly instrumental "A Good Night (Interlewd)" is smooth in its Nicolay-esque lushness. "Everything" basically incorporates what works from the other tracks as its sing-along chorus is catchy enough and the emcees maintain their rapid-fire rhymes.

Mayday fans shouldn't hesitate when it comes to copping this one. Even the somewhat-weak link in "Evil" is still fun to play here and there. And don't be surprised if you find yourself singing along when the hook hits. Just don't expect anything on here to satisfy your desire for a proper sophomore effort, though hopefully that's coming sooner rather than later. If you plan on The Thinnest Line popping your Mayday-cherry, though, you would be better off grabbing their debut first.

- Andrew Martin