Artist: Freestylers Album: The Coming Storm

Year: 2013
Duration: 0:0-1

Riding the Wave of 'The Coming Storm': A Critical Review of Freestylers' Album

Electronic music has come a long way since the dawn of techno in the late '80s. Over the years, various sub-genres emerged, from house, trance, breakbeat, and drum and bass. Among these, the British-based duo Freestylers have been at the forefront of the breakbeat scene with their unique fusion of old-school Electro and Hip-hop. With their Sixth studio album, 'The Coming Storm,' Freestylers pushes the envelope of their signature sound despite the challenges the pandemic posed to their creative process. Let's dive into the details of this album and see what makes it worth the listen.

Firstly, let's learn a bit about Freestylers. Formed in 1996 by Matt Cantor and Aston Harvey, they gained popularity for their breakout single 'Ruffneck' and its follow-up, 'B-Boy Stance.' Fast forward to now, they have amassed a following of electronic music lovers worldwide for their energetic and uplifting beats and grooves. Their sound has been evolving, and the 'The Coming Storm' is no different.

On the whole, the album is an amalgamation of influences from past and current electronic genres delivered with Freestylers' unique flair. From the brass and vocal samples in opening track 'Hypnotic Eyez' to the dubstep-inspired 'Fall Down,' it's clear the album aims to showcase the duo's diversity. However, some tracks like 'Punisher' and 'Get Up and Dance' didn't bring much newness to the table, feeling more like filler tracks.

That being said, standout tracks like 'Do it to it' featuring Shystie, which features a catchy hook and rap verses over a pumping bass, and the funky 'Pressure' leave a lasting impression. Notably, the title track 'The Coming Storm' is another standout track. It has Freestyler's signature dance-floor anthemic style with its driving beats and electrifying synths evoking the stormy vibes in the track.

Many parts of the album showcase their adventurousness and willingness to experiment with new sounds. The funky fusion of 'The World is Yours' with bouncy bass and brass samples, and the experimental 'Ghostship' stand out in this regard. At the same time, the downtempo 'Coca Cola Woman' shows a more relaxed, yet groovy side to Freestylers.

However, this album isn't perfect. There are some low moments throughout, with a monotonous beat and underwhelming production. The album seems to wane a bit towards the tail end, where the vibe gets a little dull. At this point, it feels like they are reaching for tracks that fit the album's theme when they don't quite have those tracks.

In conclusion, Freestylers' 'The Coming Storm' is a commendable effort. The album delivers on its promise of being energetic, diverse, and lively. It is a great example of how electronic music continues to evolve, even after all these years. Though it has its downsides, the album strives to break new grounds and provide a fresh take on Freestylers' signature sound. Some tracks could have benefitted from more production polish, but this is still an excellent addition to Freestyler's discography. It's worth a listen and should be in the playlist of any electronic music lover.

In conclusion, Freestylers' 'The Coming Storm' is a commendable effort. The album delivers on its promise of being energetic, diverse, and lively. It is a great example of how electronic music continues to evolve, even after all these years. Though it has its downsides, the album strives to break new grounds and provide a fresh take on Freestylers' signature sound. Some tracks could have benefitted from more production polish, but this is still an excellent addition to Freestyler's discography. It's worth a listen and should be in the playlist of any electronic music lover.