Well known British electro-pop artist, singer, songwriter, and producer, Frankmusik, decides to come stateside to give himself a new atmosphere to create what he believes is an album that more defines himself and his sound. This time he infuses the almost over-produced sounds that could sometimes be overpowering in his last album with more of the modern American Pop and R&B flavors that dominate our airwaves. The result, Do It In The AM, turned out to be pretty unique and enjoyable.
This album was created as a “breather,” meaning that it was more of an attempt to write and to produce something with more of a playful tone. This albumis also more relatable across the spectrum of listeners; it’s a lot less personal then his last album, Complete Me.
As for the way it sounds, this album is something that could be listened to anywhere, while traveling or working, while alone, in a small group, or a full blown party. Rolling synths sometimes appear over catchy piano riffs. Throughout all of the album, you can find intricate baselines and drum patterns, and in all of this you find a very diverse range of vocals that go through harmonies and melodies like nobody’s business! Something interesting that can be heard on this LP are also the dubstep influences…even if they are sped up four times.
One thing that really stood out to me was Frankmusik’s use of really old and retro atari sounding synths, as if could’ve been taken right out of an old game system.
Frankmusik also had some very interesting (and appropriately placed) song appearances from friends and label-mates Colette Carr (on the anthemic “No I.D.”), Natalia Kills (appearing for a heartfelt ballad, “No Champagne”), and Far East Movement (grouping together to create the smash, “Do It In The AM”)
Every track on Do It In The AM is unique, but there are definitely some highlights.
When listening to “Wrecking Ball,” the song’s beat is just right on key, and the opening lyrics come right into place,n creating a perfect opening for the first verse. As the chorus frictionlessly slides into place, the instrumentation changes into something slightly more uptempo while not taking away any of the effect. If you ever see me in the back of a classroom obliviously dancing in my jar, this is probably the song that’s on play.
“Running” is a fairly simplistic and repetitive song; however, it has made it into my top favorites within the first couple of listens. The opening sounds can only be described as Jesus pounding away on a pair of cosmic floor drums. The sound is right in your ear. Though somewhat repetitive, I think this gives the lyrics an edge.
Overall, I think Frankmusik’s Do It In The AM is a pretty decent album from beginning to end. For people listening to new music, I definitely recommend getting a copy because it features a popular sound, yet has its own twist.