Twilight Sentinels
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Twilight Sentinels

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"Twilight Sentinels-KWUR Week @ The Gargoyle"

A powerful stage presence.

Between Harvey and Night, they could have at least played the intimidation card (with shear size), but they settled for a somewhat lively performance.

the obvious connection Harvey and his vocal counterpart shared made them easy to watch and at times really enjoyable. Their soulful and even jazzy songs were fundamentally sound: mad props to any band that raps over harmonica. - Kristen Schlott
- Eleven-Washington University's Music Magazine


"The hip hop beat"

Sentinels’ ‘Meanwhile …’

But let’s stay in Indianapolis for a while. Already one of the all-time greatest Indiana hip-hop albums, The Twilight Sentinels’ Meanwhile … was just released on the St. Louis label F5. With innovative production on par with the industry’s elite, and rhymes that manage to be conscious, cocky and humble all at once, this is an album you need to have in your collection.

-TJ Reynolds - Nuvo magazine


"Twilight Sentinels Meanwhile..."

Twilight Sentinels
Meanwhile...
(F5 Records : 2008)
70C-
Posted on 09/02/2008
There is no denying the fact that the "true school" mentality has become as played out as "ringtone rap." And just like in any other genre, the acts that hold onto a classic style can sound like carbon copies of their musical forefathers. But in Twilight Sentinels' case, they pull it off. Although they aren't exact clones of past emcees and producers, they are certainly influenced by the hip-hop many heads refer to as the Golden Age.

This trio from Indianapolis consists of emcee Mic L. Night, producer-rapper Joe Harvey, and DJ Topspeed. And they pull no punches as they get right into it on Meanwhile with "Smoke Screen," a murky track that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Many of other songs on here aren't "dark" per say, but they definitely aren't sunny-day Top 40 anthems. For example, "Keep Up" swirls like cigar smoke, particularly because of that simple, yet perfect bass line. It might not be in the exact same vein, but "Move You" captures that early-'90s feel. In particular, there is a strong A Tribe Called Quest vibe, mostly thanks to the production.

It wouldn't be right to mention the production and not talk about the outstanding effort by Harvey on Meanwhile. By incorporating live instrumentation into his beats, Twilight Sentinels' music becomes organic – as heard on the somber and brilliant "I Got A…" Rather than sounding tinny or plastic, the drums on here are lush. That natural feel is a strong complement to the emcees, who are competent but not exemplary. They both ride the beat well and have some skills, but it's easy to lose them in the production. But when this trio fires on all cylinders, it's truly something to hear. "Obey The Fist" is easily this album's strongest. The rapping matches the stellar beat perfectly and the emcees just seem like they are having fun. And that feeling is infectious. The same goes for "Connect The Dots," which, in all its cheesiness, is a nice little pop number. It's also a welcome change of pace amongst the less glossy other tracks.

As the review score indicates, however, it's not all perfect. One of Meanwhile's weaknesses shows itself on "Boundaries of Reasoning." The song is solid enough, but something about it screams copy-cat. And it's hard to narrow down exactly who it sounds like because it draws from several areas. At times, it's akin to a Del Tha Funky Homosapien joint, while it also scratches the surface of sounding like Jedi Mind Tricks. But the missteps are far and few between.

Thanks in part to the moody production and the good-but-not-great rapping, Twilight Sentinels' Meanwhile won't blow you away after one listen. Instead, it burrows itself into your skull, growing more and more enjoyable as you play it over and over. And it doesn't hurt that this trio's laidback raps paired with the album's jazz-tinged production is made for the approaching cooler months.

- Andrew Martin - Okayplayer.com


"Another Mid-west invasion..."

The Midwest invasion continues as Indianapolis-bred Twilight Sentinels link up with St. Louis-based F5 Records for the release of Meanwhile.... The long-awaited album from the Twilight trio brings that dusty-jazzy fantastic back to the forefront. Joe Harvey (producer/ emcee), Mic L. Night (emcee) and DJ Topspeed form a complete union with beats, rhymes and cuts, something often overlooked in this day and age.

After a perfectly suited G.I. Joe-referenced introduction, these cats push you head first into a sea of crisp, funky drums and carefully chopped samples. "Move You" utilizes a thick bassline and fluid rhythm that helps do exactly that (...yes, move you!) while "Obey The Fist" maintains lyrical dexterity and boom-bap to the fullest as they deliver a P.S.A. of their own. "Connect The Dots" steps up the tempo as well as the vibe, proving the Sentinels aren't exactly one-trick ponies.

Meanwhile... isn't a perfect album and leaves room for improvement in select sections, but that should be expected with nearly any release. "Keep Up" dips into a bit of a lull, void of any captivating ideas or arrangements while "Autobiographic" offers little on the tail end of the record.

Ultimately, the Sentinels keep everything in-house, proving that you need not outsource half your project or depend on a mighty budget to create a solid product. The proof is in the pudding: develop a creative vision, pay attention to details and stay in your lane. All of the minute elements add up, such as transitions between songs, fine-tuned EQ'ing, track placement, variety of conceptual material and so on. This album doesn't take you to a new, experimental place, but rather plays to the group's strengths... another note that many artists need to observe.

-Knuckles - Soundslam.com


"Hip-hop rising star delivers at the Jazz Kitchen"

On Wednesday night a hip-hop producer/mc who's been making a name for himself internationally, stopped by the Jazz Kitchen to play a free show, courtesy of Old Soul Entertainment.

When I arrived, Indy act Twilight Sentinels was on stage putting some incredible energy out to the crowd. The crowd, however, was not exactly giving it back.

Something I notice commonly in Indy shows are people being afraid to dance and express themselves to the music. Even tho they may really want to get out of their chairs and dance, they don't want to be the first few. I mean, how many times have you been at a show and nobody gets up to dance until the band announces they only have a song or two left, and then the crowd doesn't want the band to stop, because they finally started having fun! So instead, people like myself usually have to dance for a good few songs alone before the masses get the hint.

I think another contributing factor to this, especially in the Jazz Kitchen, is the tables coming right up to the stage. For a late night hip-hop show, you really should take a few out, and scoot them back. But I digress...

Twilight Sentinels were the tightest I've ever seen them. They are gearing up to release their debut album soon, and consequently have built up some very inticate vocal interplay between the two rappers. Joe Harvey's production acumen and quick tongue, combined with Mike L. Night's passion and animated delivery, all while being back by one of the top DJ's in the Midwest, Top Speed, have this group poised to shake the "local" label.

Although Top Speed, having recently switched from playing vinyl records to using the mp3-turntable program Serato, did at times look bored because of not having to switch and cue up the records. However he took advantage of the new tool by being able to play brand new material, and scratching in the various group members names.

Great set. I danced, and as you can guess, was joined by more people by the end.

Next up was Ohmega Watts, who had just stepped off a plane from Amsterdam. His energy level could not match that of the local opener, but he made up for that with style and swagger. Acting out each vocal cadence with his body, his rhythm and movements got the audince grooving, and even had a little breakdancing back and forth moment with a local b-boy in the audience, all while delivering a verse. His beats were impressive, all over the map, but usually right in the pocket.

Ohmega Watt's DJ had some very tight scratching going on, with the MC taking several breaks to highlight his show partner. While these were impressive scratches, they never really connected in a routine, and thus was more of a show-off moment than show moment, not really takin the crowd anywhere new.

All in all, it was a good show, a packed house, and a lot of people celebrating their love of great hip-hop, both internationally and loca-- I mean soon-to-be-international. -T.J. Reynolds - Indy.com


"Twilight Sentinels,"

This 25-minute recording spotlights the latest rhymes from Mike Graves, who in the past has excelled as a role player in two of the city's most celebrated acts: the Mudkids and Mab Lab.
Flanked by Joe Harvey and DJ Tom Slick in Twilight Sentinels, Graves -- who resembles Mos Def in vocal tone and cadence -- raps with the same inventive flow he's put across for years: "Superhuman, Super Hoosier, superhero. When me and Harvey get together, we're like Pesci and De Niro."
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/twilightsentinels - David Lindquist / Indianapolis Star
- Indianapolis Star


"Next 1000"

With Twilight Sentinels we not only hear the achievement of a great blast from the past reflective of the hip-hop Golden Era, but a successful opposition of monotonous restraint of today's so called hip-hop. A wised up three man collective based out of Indianapolis that have shared their skills on stage with Kool Keith, we hear the mish-mashing of jazz and hip-hop in "Smokescreen" that are reminiscent of Slick Rick's musical sound. Given the resemblance, Twilight pair the music with great certainty in their lyrics and in the collaborating vocals of Joe Harvey and Mic L. Night that is not easily accessible and nailed with other hip-hop citizens today. -Vanessa Villalobos - Urb.com


"review rack-music: the lyrical lounge"

Interview with:
Twilight Sentinels
Hello, please introduce yourselves?

Joe: I am the Joe Harvey.
Tom: I am the Tom Slick a.k.a. Godzuki.
Mic: I am Mic L. Night

Okay, this group is your typical three-man weave--so who does what?

Joe: MC and Producer Xtraordinare.
Tom: DJ and background dancer. Godzuki!
Mic: MC and Co-Producer

To start off, how did you come up with the name Twilight Sentinels?

Joe: My '89 Buick told me it would be a good name.
Tom: Joe came up with the name, I thought it was nice.
Mic: I said ”So what should we call it?” then Joe said “How ‘bout Twilight Sentinels?” then I said ,” Alright!”

How exactly did you guys discover that you all had a mutual passion for hip-hop?

Joe: Me and Mike have known each other for a minute, since about 1995 and
met Tommy before he was DJ.
Tom: I had always loved hip-hop, while I was growing up, and I had been watchin' Joe and Mike since they had been in previous groups a while back.
Mic: Me and Joe meeting up years later, and still being on the same vibe, same focus, and same intensity.

Your music is reminiscent of so many genres and various eras, could you tell us a little bit about your musical history?

Joe: Man! Long story short started rhyming in 1991, then I was in a group called Sektion 31 for about 8-9 years and we were part of a crew called Archipelago Galactic. I never produced music in that group but, started upon getting the urgency to complete an album on my own and started producing in
2002.
Tom: GODZUKI!!!!!
Mic: I've done stuff w/ Mudkids, Insomniacs, Archipelago Galactic, Fuzz, Maintaining a common nuisance, and most recently Mab Lab.

Every new group automatically gets compared. Who does everyone say you sound like or remind them of? And does that bother you?

Joe: Atmosphere, Denizen Kane, Midwest ish.
Tom: Jurassic 5, Atmosphere, De La Soul
Mic: Classic 1993-1996 hip-hop.

Being relatively new to the scene, what do you feel Twilight Sentinels
has to offer to modern day hip-hop?

Joe: Honesty, passion, purity and a sound that most heads grew up loving
and the point of view from self.
Tom: Good Music.
Mic: Music that is fun to listen to and lyrics that can make you think.

How would you describe Twilight Sentinels style to those who may never have heard it?

Joe: I think we naturally mirror the sound we grew up listening to but, our sound is a mixture of those ear catching sounds of old with words that reflect the lessons we've learned and want to pass on, also we like talking about beating people up.
Tom: Pure happiness.
Mic: Classic Hip-hop with conscious lyrics

What do you think hip-hop or music in general needs these days? More originality more personality more Twilight Sentinels?

Joe: There's a lack of all those choices especially Twilight Sentinels and that's what needs to change, HAHA. The thing is that people that are coming up don't take enough chances on being different. The people that are respected in the biz are respected because they took that chance.
Tom: I think hip-hop needs to recycle itself, everything has the same formula these days, there's nothing out there that I haven't already heard over different beats.
Mic: Hip-hop needs just what the people need, to not fall in with the crowd just because its just what everybody else thinks. Remain individuals, question authority, and think for themselves

What's the message are you trying to convey with your music? What impressions
are you trying to leave upon the listener?

Joe: Me personally, I try to convey that I too have the fears and doubts that
most have but, also the dreams and goals that I feel I need to accomplish before death.
Tom: GODZUKI!!!!
Mic: Try to have fun living your life as honestly as you can.

Chasing hip-hop fame and notoriety can be somewhat of a battle. Necessary evils for the group to be successful like, recording sessions, touring/appearances and promoting the group can often become time consuming. How do you balance all of the necessities family/personal lives, the groups business acumen and the pursuit of your artistic passions?

Joe: Honestly, I don't have a 9 to 5. so a lot of the business responsibility is on me and it is overwhelming at times but, you got to take it in stride.
Tom: It's a matter of balancing school and work, I just go with the flow.
Mic: You have to love it for what it is. It definitely takes a different type of person.

You guys have an EP out correct? What would you say was your biggest challenge putting this record out? Did you struggle with personal challenges during its recording?

Joe: Biggest struggle in doing this is finances, that all aspects of doing music. We basically thru the EP together just to have a piece of product so it wasn't a struggle at all. Ill be able to answer that better when we get the LP done.
Tom: GODZUKI!!!!
Mic: Making music and writing rhymes is natural, so the only struggle is trying to find the money to do what you really wanna do artistically.

It is completely independently put out? Around how much money did it cost? (Be careful how you answer this, the IRS may be watching?)

Joe: Not much at all. We do runs of 100 so it cost more in the long run but, the immediate cost is low but, getting promo stuff like banner and stickers and T-shirts is were the cost comes in.
Mic: With home computer technology being what it is today in music and graphics, the CD itself wasn't much more than pennies on the dollar. The real cost is in maintaining a presence in the quote unquote market.

What's the groups immediate and ultimate goals?
Joe: Doing shows, finishing the album, find management, touring, repeat….
Tom: Exactly what Joe said.
Mic: Make good music, see where it takes us, and enjoy the ride.

A lotta cats have hip-hop aspirations. From the perspective of someone
who at least has there foot-in-the-door, how does one make their daydream aspirations realistic?

Joe: My Motto, “Half Ass Work gets Half Ass Results.”
Tom: Practice, practice, practice…
Mic: Don't talk about it be about it.

Though fairly new, you fellas are no strangers to the local club scene. As live performers what types of responses have you received?

Joe: Screams to stares, titties to haters. Just kidding, not really.
Tom: Joe said everything I was going to say.
Mic: I think people who stop to listen hear the honesty and respond.

Favorite place in Indy to perform?

Joe: The Patio, it has the best sound.
Tom: I'd have to agree with Joe, the Patio has the best sound.
Mic: I have to agree with the guys but add that this town needs more all age events.


What's next on deck for the Twilight Sentinels?
Joe: Shows, Shows and Mo Shows. I love it.
Mic: Love, Life, Good songs, and the skies the limit!
And some of you fools thought all Indiana had was Racers and Pacers..nah, Indy's got hip-hop too! T.S. in the house! (No, not Terror Squad..T-w-i-l-i-g-h-t S-e-n-t-i-n-e-l-s) But on the strength, The Lyrical Lounge would like to thank Twilight Sentinels for taking the time out and granting us an
interview. Don't let their humbleness fool ya..there's some very good hip-hop goin' on here! Buhleavedat!! To learn more about Joe Harvey, Mic L. Night and DJ Tom Slick, be sure to
check out: www.myspace.com/twilightsentinels
Until the next time...Hip-Hop..Live It..Love It..Get Involved!!
- shotgunreviews.com


Discography

-Preliminary Hearing EP available on Audio Reconnaissance

-The Album Isn't Even Out Yet Remix EP available on Audio Reconnaissance

-"Meanwhile..." available on F5 Records.

all available on itunes, emusic, Vcast and others.

you can download our album at this link for free:

http://www.divshare.com/download/5862793-9ef

Photos

Bio

When hearing the music of Twilight Sentinels, it’s easy to mentally wander back to the “Golden Era” of hip-hop. They have adopted the sentiment from the “true school” while incorporating the originality and artistry that cannot be mistaken. Twilight Sentinels have a foundation on what it takes to be a respected hip-hop group. The ingredients include no egos, no bullshit and no attitudes, allowing the group to dictate their own sound and style and oppose the force-fed monotony which has run rampant in today’s music marketplace. Their 100% sample based instrumentation is a refreshing departure from the keyboard sonics and synth drums of present-day rap music.

Based out of Indianapolis, IN, this group consists of Joe Harvey (Sektion 31), Mic L. Night, (Mab Lab, People Vs. Radio )and DJ Topspeed (Scribble Jam, Animal Crackers). These three seasoned veterans hit the stage with a dynamic presence and a carefully crafted set with the intent of delivering an unforgettable performance. They have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with industry legends like The Roots, De La Soul and Kool Keith along with underground mainstays Gift of Gab, Lateef the Truth Speaker, Ohmega Watts, The Perceptionists, Cunninlynguists and Mac Lethal just to name a few.

Twilight Sentinels’ self produced work speaks volumes of their concise ability and dedication to their trade and with the release of their debut album titled “Meanwhile……” on St. Louis based F5 Records (Notable tracks include “Connect the dots” an infectious song laced with an upbeat jazzy groove; “Move You” a conscious laden samba joint; “Smokescreen” a powerful basement rocker) it's only a matter of time before others will be asking, “Have you heard Twilight Sentinels yet?”.