10 years of Musical Freedom… Let’s do an example for making you understand how much time is a decade. I discovered it in 2011, with “Mush Mush” by Bassjackers (considered a classic, nowadays), and back in the days, Tiesto’s label had already gathered more experience than this blog has now! There have been sporadic dark ages, like the infamous “Tiesto Edit” period, but MF is shining in recent years, becoming one of my favorite Spinnin’ sub-label with a mix of talented names and unexpected releases, surfing many genres, with a clear focus on underground ones.
Overall
75/100
Classic House is, in fact, the total protagonist of the MF album, with eight compositions varying from famous names and newcomers. It’s a choice that gives a specific identity to the collection, but becomes really intricate to handle if the eight songs are listened in a single take. The result is that many fans will save just three, max four tracks: most of them are similar in the structure, despite having a variety of sounds.
So, from one perspective I’m fascinated about how MF explored its main genre, but from the other, I think that they could have easily sacrificed a couple of them and left space to other genres that they often present in the label, like Progressive House or Future House. It’s a matter of strategy, MF once again stands out from the rest and has chosen to focus on a single thing.
Here are our personal impressions about the 8 songs of the sampler.
Carta – Whatever I Want
51/100
Carta’s idea didn’t particularly impress me. “Whatever I Want” focuses on giving total attention towards few, organized details. This is both a pro and a con, because if you are not into this kind of vocal and the drops’ mono-note scheme, like me, it would be unappealing. We all must however appreciate the intensity in the bassline, but apart from that, I quickly passed to the next one.
Cheyenne Giles & Knock2 – DVNCEFLOOR
85/100
The duo has played around with a strange, esoteric structure. “DVNCEFLOOR” is a little gem that should be praised for what it is: an expedition to the boundaries of house genre, with a rather calm vocal and a hypnotic old-school lead resonating in the distance. Classic, linear vibes mix in an unusual blend with futuristic sounds and samples. I doubt that I will be able to dance on this one, but I’m terribly intrigued!
Shift K3Y – Get Low
60/100
“Get Low” is one of the songs that didn’t leave anything in particular to me. Yes, it’s an acceptable production, but backsliding in a sampler where many others tried to explore with the genre. I liked the ethereal mood of the breakdown and at a certain point, it worked pretty well with that vocal loop. While the drop does its job, expect absolutely nothing more.
SWACQ – Switch Back
88/100
SWACQ and his unique sound are always a pleasure to listen to. Redacted into a slightly more house-y dress up, coherent with the sampler’s mood, his creation presents itself with a sparkling, bouncing entrée. The work on the percussions, the subtle Arabic aura in the break and the slow, aggressive, escalating preparation are some of the elements that really got me.
I had a great time listening to “Switch Back”, and I must congratulate with the Dutch artist: he always manages to deliver exciting ideas.
Khrebto – U.D.U.M.
72/100
Khrebto is a new name for me, and I did appreciate his fresh take here, especially because of his samples. They have a spooky, enigmatic aura that fits pretty well with this particular period of the year. “U.D.U.M.” lacks the raw energy in its bassline, using its weapons in a very linear structure, yet surely giving the listener a hypnotic experience. I guess it’s a yes from me, I felt pleasantly surprised.
David Puentez – The Weekend
68/100
Puentez, an entitled MF veteran, brought us some awaited vintage vibes. His house creation is clearly inspired by the evergreen record “Show Me Love”, but integrates it with elegant strings. Needless to say that I always love hearing some violins, especially when I’m least expecting them. I’m sure that David Puentez could have done something more in “The Weekend” though… as the concoction seems somewhat inadequate, especially in the standard breakdown.
Daijo – Keeping It
45/100
The drop reminds me too much of Fisher’s masterstroke “Losing It”… And since I’ve heard many copies lately, I become considerably cynical about them. In overall, Daijo did a clever trick, naming his creation “Keeping It”, showing that he’s aware of the resemblance. Thus, I don’t understand if I should see it as a parody, as a tribute, or just as a plain ripoff of a famous song. Being in doubt, I’ll simply review my experience: after 30 seconds I switched over to the next tune… That was something already heard.
Esh x Constantin – 2U
80/100
Dirty, dirty, super dirty! “2U” wants to become the bad boy of this collection with an aggressive, shuffling bassline arrangement. Adding to that some catchy vocal snippets, the instrumental lashes with rhythmic groove. The breakdown switches to a placid and alluring tone, while keeping a continuous tension towards the approaching drop segment. Yet another fine placement in this sampler!
What do you think?
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