Sims

Bad Time Zoo (Doomtree)

Like P.O.S, who spits as cold as a Minnesota winter on the triumphant “Too Much,” Sims is a perfect brawler for the Doomtree family. He’s brash, flexes a lightning-quick delivery, and rages just enough punk to keep the album dirty. They also share a similar voice: a raspy, cigarette-laden huff that comes full-bodied from the chest. The difference, as shown on second LP Bad Time Zoo, is evident as early as opener “Future Shock,” which, over crisp bongos and African song, reveals a more melodic sound than P.O.S’ industrialism. That emphasis on sonic variety opens Bad Time Zoo to a diverse observance of Twin City urban realism, one where the “One Dimensional Man” is a punk, “Good Times” come a little dark, and rest never comes easy (“In My Sleep”). “Radio Opaque,” nah. Sims raps translucent as they come. (Wed., 11:45pm, Flamingo Cantina)

***.5

This article appears in March 18 • 2011.

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