By Jamil Oakford/ managing editor
Don’t let the first two tracks fool you: Rudimental has tweaked its sound, and it’s all for the better.
We the Generation displays musical growth and a way to stand out from other artists in the genre.
The British drum and bass group, fresh off the success of its hit single “I’ve Been Waiting All Night,” has brought another album to hopefully push for a broader audience.
From the moment the album starts, it almost seems like nothing’s changed. Rudimental was content with the sound it found in Home. And it begs the theory of “Hey, why fix what isn’t broken?”
A drumbeat similar to the very track that made them famous greets listeners on the first track, “I Will for Love.”
While it’s a great song, it does sound like songs on the group’s previous album, much like the second track does.
But in comes the game-changing track. “We the Generation” has a fun, jazzy beat that gives the impression of a cool-down to the rigorous rhythm presented with the first two tracks. With a trombone solo and airy vocals, the band lets the trombone take the wheel instead of the percussion section.
“Love Ain’t Just a Word” and “Rumor Mill” both follow in the same fashion, setting the tone for the midpoint of the album.
By the time the listener gets to the track featuring Ella Eyre’s “Too Cool,” it’s another push toward a far more upbeat finish.
It’s like the track selection and placement were created as their own element on the album. It’s an impressive side-bit, and it definitely can go unnoticed on the first listen.
This is definitely a vibe-riddled album. Rudimental isn’t searching for the next club single or even the next dance hit. The band wants the listener to slow down and chill out.
Some other notable songs on the album are “Lay It All on Me” featuring Ed Sheeran, “Common Emotion” featuring MNEK and “Needn’t Speak,” a relaxed and trumpet-saturated number featuring Lianne La Havas.
This album is definitely not something commonly heard on a radio station. And if listeners are desperate for a break in the monotony of radio play, Rudimental is the answer to the prayers.
