Fred Again... - Actual Life (April 14 - December 17 2020)

 

'Fred Again...', the British producer, has crafted the instrumentals of some of the highlights of Stormzy's 'Heavy is the Head' album, such as 'Own It' and 'Pop Boy.' Additionally, he has worked with the likes of Headie One, notably through the collaborative mixtape, 'Gang,' and Ed Sheeran. So, how does Fred deliver here with this solo debut effort?

After the short and sweet opener 'April 14th 2020,' Fred delivers the pleasant love ballad with 'Kyle (I Found You)'. Interestingly, FRED samples the spoken word poem 'Love in the Time of Undeath' by Kyle Tran Myhre. A fruitful practice, as the sample corresponds well with the track's satisfyingly euphoric production. In 'Dermot (See Yourself in My Eyes)', the revving percussion, broken piano pattern and the sampling of Dermot Kennedy's 'Lost' is a sonically compelling combination.

Following the relaxing 'Yasminah (See Your Face Again)' and the 'Hackney' interlude, the record reaches its most beautiful moment, sonically, at 'Julia (Deep Diving).' The soothing vocal sample from Julia Micheals' 'Deep' complements the track's riveting piano pattern and low-key drums.  FRED takes a break from using samples in  the sweet love ballad 'Me (Heavy).' The buzzy bassline is decent, while FRED vocally here is soothing. The cut ends finely with the introduction of a vocal choir harmonising with FRED.

After the decently rhythmic 'Big Hen (Steal My Joy)' and starry 'Marnie (Wish I Had)', FRED returns his practice of sampling in 'Sabrina (I Am A Party)'. Impressively, FRED transforms the spoken word poem 'Explaining My Depression to My Mother' by Sabrina Benaim into a nocturnal spiral into the madness of a banger.

Unfortunately, the record does somewhat loses its momentum throughout its second half after 'Sabrina (I Am A Party).' Not that any of the cuts following 'Sabrina' in the lead up to the album's end were poor, just sonically, they were modest. Thankfully, 'Marea (We've Lost Dancing)' is an uplifting ending. The production is a rhythmic, blissful nightlife through its spacey drums and glistening synthesisers. Meanwhile, the featuring Blessed Madonna delivers an intriguing spoken word passage of the impact of the pandemic taking away the clubbing nightlife.

A stellar solo debut effort from 'Fred Again...' Most of the sampling and production delivered by the British producer has been excellent. 'Julia (Deep Diving)' is a beautiful dreamscape, while 'Marea (We've Lost Dancing)' could help those relive the clubbing nightlife that was taken away from them by the pandemic. 

Best Track(s): Julia (Deep Diving), Marea (We've Lost Dancing).

8.25/10