Alfa Mist and Richard Spaven combine for the group 44th Move, allowing both artists a little more freedom of expression from their usual output, delivering smooth jazz infused with hip-hop, broken beat, and lo-fi. In 2020 we got the first taste of what this pairing could deliver, and their first full-length Anthem five years later does not disappoint at all. We get a wide variety of musical flavours much like the self-titled EP, with vocal tracks interspersed between songs that have highs, lows, and everything in between. The record flows really nicely too, and I’m often left wanting more. Good thing that these acclaimed artists have plenty of back catalogue to explore.
Compared to their first EP, you can see both artists have refined their skills further. Tight basslines and intricately woven jazz instrumentals litter the record, songs flowing almost seamlessly together, with the record a must-listen back to front. Richard Spaven‘s prestige on the drums is always present, whilst Alfa Mist‘s keys work wonders. And strangely, tracks with unassuming names like “Freehit Outro” are home to some of the slickest passages found on the record, so when you explore this record, make sure to dive deep into each track.
The release date couldn’t have been better either – Anthem is a perfect spring album. Mellow, warm, yet inspiring, I’ve enjoyed walking and driving around in the spring sun to it, with standout tracks like “Second Wave” hitting hard with vibrant basslines and warbling keys. There are a lot of stimmy moments throughout the record with gorgeous keys hitting a great motif, or a brilliant drum fill that aides song-progression.
The vocal track breaks up the album nicely, and the choice of artist fit the bill brilliantly. “The Move” with Quelle Chris shows off his blunt, conversational style perfectly, with punchy pianos and smart jazzy drums complimenting his flow. Later in the album Alfa Mist has a spot too on “Free Hit Outro”, adding that bit of variety to keep you locked in on the album.
Production on the album is fantastic, 44th Move producing themselves and leaving mastering to Shawn Hatfield, a legend in the space. On my studio speakers and my home-cinema set up, I feel like I’m sat in front of the drum kit, with the keys omnipresent around me. It perfectly matches the vibe of the album and no layer ever grates by being too present; they ebb and flow with the mix nicely.
The album closes on “Barrage” a delightfully smooth and dreamy outro to the album, the sound of real shorelines replicated in song form by the pair. Deep effect laden keys pair off against tight drums in a wavelike sound, winding down a fantastic record with a dulcet climax.
Anthem immediately goes onto the pile with others such as Emancipator & Asher Fulero‘s Dab Records Volume 1, for those days where you just want to unwind to high quality, low-key jazzy electronica. Hopefully we won’t need to wait five years for the next outing from 44th Move, but even if we do, we’ll be confident that whatever this dynamic duo produce, it’ll be absolutely brilliant.
