In Search Of Media

Released: March 15, 2024

Genre: Electronic / Footwork

From: US

Label: Hyperdub

Why you should listen: Chicago-born and raised Heavee has been a mainstay within the footwork scene in the city. Unleash is his Hyperdub debut, a striking album that features jittery effects and swirling, melodic synths, with footwork’s 160 template as the backdrop to a dynamic and infectious sound. “StarSeeker” features some bring synth melodies that add colour, character and atmosphere. The bass-heavy “Unlock!”, with its thick synths and basslines throughout makes for a striking listen, while “Search N’4” featuring BABii’s soothing vocals is colourful moment on the album. “BangBang” is a dynamic cut that features chopped vocals and fast-paced drumming that just hits the spot. The vocal chopping and rhythmic drumming on “CanUFeelit” is incredible, while “Bounce Dat” featuring DJ Paypal and Dan TOG has an infectious groove to it that’s just incredible. The album as a whole is geared towards the dancefloor, with high intensity beats that are entrancing. “Unleash” is an example of this, with chopped and screwed vocals that meander between the beats, while the colourful synths on “SeeTheSun” are beautiful. The haunting and industrial “Whiplash” is disorienting and abrasive, while the energy of “Sumthin’ Different” is lighter but rhythmic moment on the album. The gorgeous synths on “Heart Fragments” are beautiful and emotive, while “WorkMe” is crazy too with a Goodie Mob sample and chopped vocals that just hit hard throughout the track, while “Make It Work” has an infectious groove to it that is entrancing throughout. The jazzy, saxophone-led melody on “Smoke Break” featuring Homesick and Takuya Nakamura is a sublime, beautiful way to close the album out. It’s a sublime, gorgeous way to close the album out. Unleash showcases Heavee’s talents as a producer, with incredibly dynamic, meandering compositions that capture so much of the eclecticism within his artistry.

The album: