Bumbershoot 2012: Don’t Talk to the Cops!
Posted by Tiffany Wan
Don’t Talk to the Cops! by Bebe Besch
Don’t Talk to the Cops! are weirdos, and they’re hoping you are too.
At least that was the message gleaned from the fun-loving group composed of hypeman/DJ El Mizell, and the spunky MC duo of djblesOne and emecks. The trio traffic in dance party anthems, which are definitely more suited for dark, slightly dank club spaces or house ragers than an afternoon festival.
But you make do with what you have, and Don’t Talk to the Cops! had no trouble drawing a crowd to the TuneIn stage on Saturday. In a set filled with guest stars, awkward b-boys and live accompaniment from backing band Purple Rain (made up of drummer Trent Moorman and guitarist/keyboardist Joshua Rule), it’s easy to understand why I’ve heard such mixed reviews about their live shows. But filter out some of the inane stage antics and what you’re left with are the facts: songs with some of the most well-produced, retro-tinged beats in Seattle hip-hop right now commandeered by two endearing and charismatic MCs.
Fittingly so, they ended their energetic set with the telling track “Guess I’m Strange.” Weirdos are more than welcome in this city–as long as they music as great as Don’t Talk to the Cops!
