
State of Mind - Faster Than Light
Submitted by Todd Lockley 24/06/2009
Patrick Hawkins and Stu Maxwell, better known as State Of Mind, Absolutely smash it on their much anticipated newie, Faster Than Light, Theres something for everyone here, slick production, awesome tunes and even nice cover art to boot.
Kicking off the long player is "Deadzone", its grimy, break neck, the perfect intro to whats to come on Faster Than Light, The chiming, atmospheric intro grabs your attention before rolling darkness reigns supreme.
"City On Fire" features some pretty slick lyrics from PNC, who has also worked with New Zealand rap supremos such as Scribe, P-Money and Savage, Fat drops and big beats, this is sure to be a live fave for the punters.
There's a rather impressive list of guests on Faster Than Light, Chris Su who has worked alongside Black Sun Empire, helps out on "Flawless", the dark neurofunk/ half rolling liquid basslines are prominent through out.
The lighter side of FTL shines through on "Division 10", enchanting vocals sounding even a little Brookes Brothersish, a dreamy bassline with jump up break downs. State Of mind really are on top of their game with tunes exploding large that are gonna have people moving.
"Space Surfer" drops in with a little space wobble and funky keys. This song also has a killer film clip, with some amazing body visuals, check it out! "Money Train VIP" builds nicely into an all out stompathon.
For this reviewer, gold happens when track "Kinetic" comes through with its self promoting and fun lyrics. I could imagine a clip of this song involving a tight club, filled with bass heads going fucking nuts chanting "You cant fuck with my State Of Mind!". This song rocks, and the mix isnt lost in the vocals. So for those who come to dance, and not sing, theres chunky bass drops here for you too.
"All Mixed Up" is a deep groove, a quick breather if you will, after the previous songs hecticness. However, it is a short one, because when these boys slow it down it aint gonna be long before they bring it right back, in a big way - Faster Than Light you might say.
Vocalist Elita Clark joins in on "Fly" which is a good little head bopper with enough broken beats to keep you guessing.
"Wake up Call" is a bad ass tune. If "All Mixed Up" and "Fly" were used as breathers, then you'll find it hard to not go completely bonkers to this one. It starts with the funky, almost hip hop beat, then drops into a puddle of bass and body moving madness.
Finishing off this top notcher, is "Dirt" featuring another kiwi boy done good, Trei - another big tune to finish up a smashing big beat album. The tunes are crispier than a pack of samboy, and they hit twice as hard, get into em, quality guaranteed. 4/5.
For comments on this review, check out: http://www.teknoscape.com.au/forums/showthread.php?t=44580
Tracklisting 1. State Of Mind & Axiom – Deadzone 2. State Of Mind & PNC – City On Fire 3. State Of Mind & Chris Su – Flawless 4. State Of Mind – Division Ten 5. State Of Mind – Space Surfer 6. State Of Mind Moneytrain VIP 7. State Of Mind & Tiki – Kinetic 8. State Of Mind – All Mixed Up 9. State Of Mind & Elma Clark – Fly 10. State Of Mind – Wake Up Call (Awakening) 11. State Of Mind & Trei – Dirt
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