Fakear has been putting out solid material for a while now, and he's got a dedicated following to show for it, but after a couple of EPs and a string of well-received singles, it's time he's come out with this new album, Sauvage, that's a seven-part compilation of sounds that are both eclectic in nature, but also undeniably Fakear in style. Right from the get-go, track two, "Two Arms Around You" (featuring O'Kobbo), perfectly blends in his ability to craft quality beats with a pop-sensibility that brings the replay-ability of a Top 40 song while still retaining the sonic honesty always found in his other work. It's a fun track, and really sets the tone for the project as a whole. The vocals are top-notch, and really grab your attention, but you're never left with the impression that the song was purposely built to support the lyrics. Rather, they round out the package nicely, and add yet another layer of complexity and depth to the package to make this one really worth listening to. The second track of note is "Neptune". It's a little more focused on Fakear's love for complex textures and intricate composition, but it's still just as accessible as his other work, and will make itself at home on any good chill-out playlist. "Neptune" doesn't really have a hook or something to sing along to, and aside from a few vocal sound bites, it's pretty much an instrumental, but the way he uses bass is infectious. This is one of those songs that you can connect with on a very basic level and can enjoy without putting a lot of effort into the listening experience. It sort of just grabs your ears by the collar and drags them along for the ride. If you find that you're a fan of the two standouts, then the rest of album is a definite must-listen. Fakear has really outdone himself with it, and with such a strong showing, he'll be looking to build upon his popularity even more in the future. Stream all of Savuage via Bandcamp.
Fakear