The Range’s Potential is fresh and bold, taking inspiration from a number of different electronic genres while adding personal touches. The drum patterns actively swap between hip-hop, house, and jungle beat—often within the same song—without raising a brow. One unique aspect that is common throughout the album is the presence of layered piano or bell arpeggios that add a solemn air to the mix.
There are some questionable decisions that require some warming up too. In the end, though, these elements become a breath of fresh air. For instance, disjointed voice samples that sound as though they were cut off too early riddle the entire album. At first they sound out of place, but they interestingly prompt the listener to try and fill the gaps in order to decipher the message of each song.
During experiences with the song “Superimpose,” it disappoints with the lack of presence the bass drum had. At first, it was a blemish on an otherwise solid song, but if the bass drum later filled the lower frequencies it would have suppressed the absolutely addicting synth that dominated that area. This album showed the potential The Range has (pun intended). The Range has a unique style that can be translated in a number of different ways but it will be interesting to see how it is applied in the future.
Recommended If You Like: Caribou, SBTRKT
Recommended Tracks: 4 (Superimpose), 5 (Five Four), 3 (Florida), 8 (Skeptical)
Do Not Play: None
Written by Shane Blair on 04/09/16