Heiruspecs

When a band waits four years between records, chances are good it has built up a lot to say. Twin Cities hip-hop band Heiruspecs' long-in-gestation self-titled disc is no mere party record, reflecting the maturing sensibility of this always-smart group as its members move into their late 20s: The disc deals with political and economic realities and gives shoutouts to anyone who has "a career—plus two jobs." In addition to the weighty rhymes, Heiruspecs makes good on a live-band format, melding its drums, bass, guitar, and keys into as strong and full-sounding a unit as hip-hop offers these days.

Updated 12/07/2011