Classixx - Faraway Reach

Classixx
Faraway Reach
2016
Spotify

Grown up shit. That is what first comes to your mind when you listen to the new album from Classixx Faraway Reach. It is just the right amount of adulthood and childishness that makes this album feel bright, fun and full of life. Classixx have always been really great producers, but they have only hinted at their pop song writing ability. They blow that thought out of the water with this album going full on tropical electro pop. With that many bright sounding influences you would expect the album to sound thin, but it simply does not. Each track is rich and full bursting with pop potential. The album features many different singers ranging from Passion Pit to T-Pain but each track is crafted to fit just right with the vocalist stepping in. The through line however is never lost and the pool party spins on and on. There are moments where the lyrics can get a bit heavy like on "I Feel Numb" which deals with depression, but it is wrapped up in this really pretty wrapping paper so you may find yourself getting a bit lost before you really dive in to what the band is trying to say. "Just Let Go" is Classixx taking a stab at big room EDM and it really is incredible to hear.

There are three songs on the album with no vocals and fall more into the progressive house genre. The opener is light and airy while the others take a more standard dark room vibe. The flow on the record really is special, each track seems to fall into and boost up the next leaving you on the edge of your seat as you listen. Disco plays a huge part on Faraway Reach shaping almost every track. For some that may be a bad thing but Classixx are partially responsible for bringing that sound stateside when most of the other DJs were focused on big drops and huge light shows. If there is one criticism it is that Classixx don't really push the pace like perhaps they should. Instead they allow the album to just sort of unfold at a leisurely pace, not particularly concerned with anything happening around it. A really fun highlight is the T-Pain featuring "Whatever I Want". The lyrics aren't as razor sharp as the rest of the record, but hearing T-Pain over these tropical house vibes is just fun. The African beat inspired "Ndivile" paying homage to David's roots in South Africa is another super solid track. Faraway Reach may not be what you were expecting but it is just what you need. Break out your sunglasses, bikinis and fruity drinks because Classixx wants to have a party.

8.0 out of 10