The Backstory
One can only assume that Mind Of Genius have carefully curated their roster. From the likes of their mysterious figurehead ZHU to poster boy Gallant, your clueless validation for not knowing the other two names on what is easily one of the most solid rosters in the game may just be wearing thin. Unfortunately we aren’t here to talk about dutch outfit Klangstof (another time), but what we have is just as good. Insert subversive R&B duo THEY.
The ruckus they caused upon dropping their 2015 Nu Religion EP was monumental. Turning heads, more specifically labelmate/ boss ZHU and Skrillex who featured them on their collaboration Working For It, the LA-based duo don’t just want to be known for their unique take on R&B. Citing inspiration from the likes of Nirvana, Taking Back Sunday and Jodeci THEY. are the shake-up the system arguably needs. Since the release of their Nu Religion EP, the duo (which consists of Dante Jones and Drew Love) have been working away on today’s full length debut Nu Religion: HYENA. We'd already got our hands on a number of cuts before the records release, but the LP just exapnds on the hip-hop R&B style that's infused with rock sensibilities.
At A Glance
Although most of the record’s juice has been shared and tasted, finally having the full body of work in front of you both feels and sounds like a refreshing reload - especially for an act still testing the waters.
Through THEY.’s unique take, rather fusion of sounds, Nu Religion: HYENA has a lot to offer for both the most die hard and ill-equipped fans to find something they love.
The Best Song
If we are ignoring the previously shared cuts such as Deep End, Bad Habits, Motley Crew, What You Want and U-RITE then look no further than Dante’s Creek. Taking into the account the title of the track one can only assume that it is indeed Dante taking centre stage here. Through those gorgeously husky vocals and its simplistically emotional piece of guitar, Dante’s Creek appears the next most attainable track (putting aside the previously released album cuts) on Nu Religion: HYENA.
The Worst Song
There isn’t really a bad track so to speak here, so when talking about ‘worsts’ we are more speaking about personal preference. Of the 14 tracks on Nu Religion: HYENA its track number 11 titled All that feels the weakest on personal preference. Aside from the jazzy backing keyboard number, it does remain faithful to what’s on offer throughout the rest of Nu Religion: HYENA but it just feels like the least attainable song on the record.
Overall
What Jones and Love have achieved on this record is a rather satisfying listen. Their unique blend of R&B, hip-hop and even hints of grungey rock sets focus on them as creatives, in that they aren’t afraid of taking risks. Even though most of the Nu Religion: HYENA’s juice was tasted throughout 2016, THEY.’s presence as ones to watch holds a tonne of merit. Going forth it will be interesting to see how THEY. transpire this record live and in the flesh as there are a handful of really energetic, lively number on here.
8/10
- Words by Harrison Kefford who tweets opinions like these here.
Watch THEY. Diggin In The Crates with us.