UK pop mastermind, and the extremely attractive, Frankmusik has released critically-acclaimed albums, singles and gone through a few name changes since bursting onto the music scene in 2007. After the release of his US debut, 2011’s Do It In the AM featuring collaborations with labelmates Natalia Kills and Colette Carr, an album the artist himself was not fully supportive of, Frankmusik went the independent route for the slow creation of his third studio album, Between. Following the release of a four-track EP and preceding singles, “Fast As I Can” and “Map”, the new album contains meaningful, honest songwriting and show-stopping vocals from a male artist who still has not received the widespread attention he truly deserves.
In one of music’s greatest album openers, “Chasing Shadows” immediately warrants Frankmusik’s entire career with gorgeous, soaring vocals and simple yet climatic production which only aids the track in its finished product beauty. The four-minute song goes by quickly as lyrics describing an endless, somber chase will encompass any listener. The single is a breathtaking, near perfect start to a personal and emotional effort.
“Map” is a soft, slow to mid-tempo ballad that confidently showcases Frankmusik’s soothing vocal abilities. The electronic production is a good balance to the delivery as the artist sings about a relationship that went south. He seems to always go back to the one who let him go, so has finally decided to completely erase her off his map. The confident vibe allows listeners to think of the track as a love song, but lyrics tell a completely different story.
The fast pace of “Cake” allows it to separate itself from the rest of the pack. “You can have your cake and eat it to”, the artist sings on the memorable and catchy chorus. Some lines may be a hit or miss, but as a whole the song keeps the album traveling down a respectable path. Vocals are on point, the overall vibe is enjoyable and meaningful lyrics really tie everything together.
The artist is carefully crafting music that will evoke some form of emotion from the listeners. “Captain”, with its heartbeat intro, describes a love stranded in the middle of nowhere, trying to avoid the “rock” that could break it apart. The artist sings that someone needs to navigate, but neither step up to the plate. The track is beautiful, even with its somber message, and sounds as if it was ripped straight from a journal.
Another somewhat depressing story is told on the ballad “Pins and Needles”. Frankmusik has been putting time and effort into a dysfunctional relationship without anything to show for it. The girl of his affection has becoming nothing more than pins and needles in his side. The lyrics tell a sad tale of emotional heartbreak while the vocals sound just strong enough to not crack.
After the release of his sophomore effort and a quick name change, Frankmusik officially returned with “Fast As I Can”, a track of empowerment and perseverance. While the track is a job well done, marking the return of a talented individual, there was nothing remarkable to warrant another listen after the first. In the end, the lead single is simply just alright.
Hopefully “Life (Is My Revenge)” will receive the single treatment as the song of strength will surely resonate with many fans. The pop beat is fast and addictive while lyrics spell out the perfect answer to the haters in one’s life. “If you’re not gonna pick me up, then leave me on my shelf”, the artist sings to the person in life that does nothing but hold you back.
Featuring the beautifully haunting vocals of relatively unknown singer/songwriter Cara Salimando, “How Do We Know?” tells the saddening story of two lovers contemplating the end of a relationship. Salimando and Frankmusik trade off depressing verses of realization with applause-worthy performances and noticeable chemistry. The tear-jerking track is an extremely bright moment for the two artists and for the new album.
Just as the title alludes, “Stronger” shows the artist learning and growing from his past failures, whether they be in his love life or career. “Now I see all the battles I’ve struck, And you thought I’d only give up”, Frankmusik sings to his supposed former lover. Once again, the production is kept simple, allowing the artist’s vocals to truly shine as they deserve to. One must overcome many obstacles, many setbacks, in order to achieve happiness.
“Did Love” may come off as one of the only optimistic-sounding tracks on the new effort, but that idea quickly washes away as the songwriting becomes clear. Apparently falling in love in the beginning is what caused the problems to start. The relationship seems to be as a standstill, with both parties holding their breath, going through the motions, so they won’t admit it is over.
The album closes with “Final Song”, a track that seems to bring the artist needed closure when it comes to his previous flame. While every song on the effort was inspired by a single individual, he makes it clear that he is working to forget his past. A strong, confident vocal performance and lyrics containing a silver lining become a form of therapy for Frankmusik.
As a hidden track, the Ellie Goulding-sounding “Thank You” comes off as a backhanded compliment, thanking his lover for leaving him heartbroken and wounded. However, the rejection has left the artist stronger and wiser. “Am I sad? Yes My dear”, he admits but with his head held high, saying if the two were true soulmates, then they would meet again someday somewhere down the road.
Between sounds like the third album Frankmusik was setting out to make since the release of his debut. He may not have the support of a major label anymore, but the new album succeeds due to its personal, emotion-filled lyrics and production that only helps get the somber messages across to the listeners. While the artist has proved he can certainly create catchy pop tracks, such as those found on his last release, he proves his strongest points are when he lets go during the recording process. With maybe only one small misstep, the entire album becomes a strong collection of midtempo ballads, possibly his strongest effort to date. The album receives a 90%.
Tracks to Hear: “Chasing Shadows”, “Captain”, “Life (Is My Revenge)” and “Stronger”
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