Moon Under Eyelids feels very much like a sophomore album. Compared to 2010′s boom-bap joyride that was City of Dirt, this feels way more mature and a bit of a change in direction for the duo. Occasions like this often devolve in people declaring their love for the “earlier work” but Bully Blinders have fairly successfully added maturity to their sound without compromising inherent listenablity.

This maturity has turned them from covering comedy and heavily political issues to more of a journal filled with love letters to ex-girlfriends and lost-childhood memories. It’s safe to say that the Bully Blinders are covering topics that even the most conscious rapper won’t touch, and it feels like it’s a much more honest and open record. Regret tinged lyrics hit with a confident take-action air to them, a recluse’s fight music.

“All this physical stuff doesn’t really mean much, unless it’s a branch taken from the family tree, passed down with a story to accompany the item, that’s what I call a treasure you should never place a price on”

A change in production matches the new feel perfectly, and Bully Blinders have made it 100% themselves, an honorable task. However, the guitars and occasional piano or accordion heavy tracks tend to blend into each other after awhile. But it’s nice to see both halves, step out of their comfort zones. Even if it’s swapping raw boom-bap for more of a pop sound.

Two years, ago we questioned why these guys weren’t bigger and this latest move probably won’t broaden their appeal as much as it should. In a fair world, we can’t imagine it will take much longer before these guys get theirs. Until then Moon Under Eyelids ticks off a couple more skills on the CV, with diverse and versatility being near the top.

Bully Blinder’s Moon Under Eyelids is available to download on their Bandcamp for free.