Rizzle Kicks are back and truly better than ever. Their reunion comes 12 years after the release of their last major project, Roaring 20s. A decade on, Competition Is For Losers showcases a more mature, refined sound, while retaining the infectious energy and playfulness of their earlier work that skyrocketed them to fame in the 2010s. Blending elements of hip-hop, funk, and soul, the album reflects the evolution of both members, incorporating themes of growth, self-discovery, and artistic reinvention.
The album opens with Harley Alexander-Sule’s mesmerising vocals on ‘Bad Tattoo’, instantly pulling listeners into a lush, distorted soundscape. It’s easy to get lost in the dreamy production, but Rizzle Kicks aren’t here to let you drift aimlessly—they want you to listen. Just as you begin to settle into the track’s hypnotic atmosphere, Jordan Stephens snaps us out of the trance with a sharp, attention-grabbing rap verse.
His first line—”In the car with the gang”—feels like a deliberate nod to their earlier, more carefree sound, instantly evoking memories of their youthful, exuberant tracks. However, as the song progresses, the tone shifts, revealing a deeper, more introspective side. The lyrics gradually peel back layers of nostalgia, replacing playful bravado with self-reflection, signalling the duo’s growth both musically and personally. Stephens reminisces, somewhat ambiguously, on the highs and lows of his personal journey, admitting that he “paved those tracks, but it never paid me back.” It’s a raw reflection on the unpredictability of life—an acknowledgement of effort not always equating to reward. It’s an immediate marker of the newfound maturity that they have infused into their classic sound.
As the album unfolds, we’re met with the contagious positivity that became synonymous with Rizzle Kicks’ name, the very essence that earned them a devoted fanbase. Their signature playful energy is alive and well, seamlessly blending with the duo’s more refined sound. ‘Javelin’, released as the album’s lead single back in August, serves as a high-energy reintroduction to this new era. It’s a mindless good time in the best way—built around bouncy production, slick wordplay, and an irresistible hook that demands movement. While the track doesn’t delve too deep lyrically, it perfectly captures the carefree spirit that made Rizzle Kicks so beloved in the first place. In a way, it reassures listeners that, despite their evolution, they haven’t lost their ability to craft feel-good anthems. They have well and truly still got it.
Their more profound musings seem to land unexpectedly, striking in the midst of the funk-fuelled hypnosis they’ve so effortlessly conjured. Just when the groove has you fully immersed, moments of raw introspection emerge, adding unexpected depth to the listening experience. Lyrics like “Sex ain’t the answer / It’s just another way to stay numb” and “I’ve learnt there’s no one in this life that’s gonna save you” hit harder precisely because they arrive between the feel-good rhythms and buoyant production. The contrast makes these reflections feel even heavier, like fleeting moments of clarity breaking through the haze of escapism.
It’s this push-and-pull between carefree energy and emotional honesty that elevates Competition Is For Losers beyond mere nostalgia. Rather than just revisiting their signature sound, Rizzle Kicks use it as a foundation for something richer and more nuanced. Beneath the playfulness lies a newfound maturity—a reflection of their journey, both as artists and individuals, proving that their return isn’t just a comeback, but an evolution.
Words by Zahra Hanif
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