Long Story Short is Winnipeg native Len Bowen’s solo debut, full of comfortable beats and micro-dramas of his hip-hop journey. Big Dreamer is the EP’s single and has a throwback groove while Bowen launches into his rapping odyssey. Saving the best lyrical presence for last, Dovercourt Road has the obvious melodic street groove influence of Grand Analog, who are featured on the track. It gives a feel of hot Winnipeg summers, sipping Slurpees and wishing for hot hookups with the girl at the end of the block. Unfortunately, the rest of the EP does not match up to what these songs offer, missing the appeal to hit the repeat button.

Published in Volume 65, Number 15 of The Uniter (January 13, 2011)