Frequent collaborators DJ Murge, rappers Just B and Ishkan and rapper/singer Ashleigh Eymann have concocted a quality album out of their two-plus years of studio work together, even if their chosen group name is a mouthful. The album opens with "Now and When," a quiet, spoken word-type piece accompanied by slight percussion and cymbals; then at about the one-minute mark a big, banging beat kicks in and the album takes off from there and never really lets up over the album's 12 tracks.
Murge's production is big, bombastic boom bap with touches of EDM, and it's often equally good in headphones as on the dance floor. Just B and Ishkan are at the top of their game, and their deep voices complement each other well. Ashleigh doesn't appear on every track, but when does, she adds an exciting dynamic. She gets her chance to really strut her stuff on the album's most mellow song, "Journey," providing more than just a hook. However, as a rapper in her own right, it would have been nice to hear her drop a few bars, not just sing. "Now and When" would have been a perfect opportunity, with guest Martin Macphail already handling the hook. Despite this minor quibble, The Current is an excellent album. "For Today," "Picture Me Rollin" and "Firing First" may be personal favourites, but frankly, it's all good.
(Wolf/Sheep Records)Murge's production is big, bombastic boom bap with touches of EDM, and it's often equally good in headphones as on the dance floor. Just B and Ishkan are at the top of their game, and their deep voices complement each other well. Ashleigh doesn't appear on every track, but when does, she adds an exciting dynamic. She gets her chance to really strut her stuff on the album's most mellow song, "Journey," providing more than just a hook. However, as a rapper in her own right, it would have been nice to hear her drop a few bars, not just sing. "Now and When" would have been a perfect opportunity, with guest Martin Macphail already handling the hook. Despite this minor quibble, The Current is an excellent album. "For Today," "Picture Me Rollin" and "Firing First" may be personal favourites, but frankly, it's all good.