This review covers the liquid drum n bass track High Maintenance – Change Your Ways (feat. Charlotte Haining).
This track was released in 2015 online for free.
The track starts off with some synth and piano elements. The vocals assist an automated drumkit as the track does the initial buildup.
When the main synth comes in, the vocals briefly drop off before re-joining the track again. The main synth is interesting in that it has a rather chip-tune sound to it. It’s a pretty nice way to start the track off.
During the drop, the vocals carry on through into the build-up again. Part of the build-up contains a sub-melody. The vocals re-join right before the track goes into high gear again. There is a sort of solo for the main synth with vocals dotting the audio landscape.
The track does gradually breakdown somewhat towards the end, ending with the vocals. While a bit short in my view, it isn’t the worst I’ve ever heard by any means.
While the chip-tune sound is an interesting way to start the track, by the second half of the track, I’m kind of expecting more. An additional element being added to the main synth probably would have done this track more justice. The changing up of the melody does work in this tracks favour, I’m not sure it really helps make this track great.
Probably the best element in this track winds up being the vocals. Not only do they sound great, but they also help give the track it’s smooth transitions throughout. They back off when they need to, they are soft when it helps, and they kick things into gear at all the right moments.
Generally speaking, this is one of those tracks that does have all the right idea’s, but the execution isn’t quite there to take it over the top. Don’t get me wrong, it is a pretty good track. It’s just that I can’t say it’s one of the more amazing tracks I’ve heard. The vocals really give it a nice high quality to it, but other elements only make for an great initial build-up. I wish I could say this is a fantastic track, but I’m not feeling it here. So, a pretty decent track all around.
Score
7/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Google+.
