The conglomerate of Vancouver rap emcees known collectively as Sweatshop Union, have released their debut self-titled album. They play quite heavily on their association with Swollen Members,' but in reality only share the same distributor and Rob the Viking as producer of five tracks. Nonetheless, Sweatshop Union's style is surprisingly quite different from that of their implied associates.

The underground flare of Sweatshop Union is blaringly apparent in their adept use of samples, horns, piano, flute, bass and drums. This results in an album filled with dope time-less underground beats. Credit is due to Rob the Viking (Swollen Members' DJ), Metty the DertMerchant, and Mos Eisley, who handle the majority of the album's production.

Vocally, this album tires in spots. I found there to be a lack of vocal diversity, which is surprising given that seven different emcees make up Sweatshop Union and contributed to the album. As well, it dumbfounded me how an emcee could blaze verses on one song, and then stumble on the next. Nonetheless, they provide catchy choruses and the album is filled with conscious and thought-provoking content.

The blazing, 'Don't Mind Us' is a banger that won't be playing in any clubs. It focuses on the club scene, as emcees Treefrog, Mos Eisley and Philip J's share their dislike for club-hoppers. 'The Humans Race' is a laid-back conscious folky song that features the whole Sweatshop Union crew. The second half of the song shines as a pop gritty voice starts it off, and then the ending beat from Bran Van 3000's 'Drinking in LA' follows in to make it dope. Rob The Viking's production shines on 'Wrinkle in Time.' The eerie track starts off with a verse that'll have you seeing shades of Buck 65.

Overall, this was an impressive first effort from Sweatshop Union. As a collective, they need more practice, to do more shows and come back with what is likely to be a blazing second album. They've got the beats and their minds locked down, they just gotta work on their vocal skills.

Click here to buy the album.