‘I’m not shit,” Minnesota rapper Eyedea begins his duo’s third LP with, setting the tone early. After spending a good portion of 2004’s E&A discussing the overall wackness of rappers, fans and the industry as a whole, the subject matter here has changed as Eyedea examines his life as a person rather than merely as a rapper. Beware: failed relationships, self-loathing, anger, and ultimately a positive outlook (see: “Smile”) dominate the group’s first album in five years. Despite the timing, it’s not much of a summertime joint.

Importantly, the duo’s chemistry has evolved and the kinks seem to have been ironed out, as producer (and former DJ battle champion) Abilities creates a solid landscape for Eyedea to pour his heart out over. The tracks rarely bang or bump: instead, they are filled with hip-hop and rock & roll-inspired electronics that pave the ground for rapping, thinking, bitching, and, occasionally, story telling. Of course, there’s still time for Abilities to show off his scratching talents, like at the tail end of the aptly-titled “Spin Cycle.”

While his partner delivers, it’s the development of Eyedea that needs to be celebrated most. After stints in the worlds of live freestyle/jazz and alternative rock (both of which, strangely enough, seem to inspire different aspects of this record), he’s back on his Hip-Hop ish, using the always exhilarating double-and-triple time style he’s indie-famous for. Combined with newly found experiences, newly discovered self-awareness and newly refined skills, By the Throat catches this almost-forgotten duo at a new height of the pair’s combined powers. Well worth the wait. “

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