June In February

June In February by CHARLES EDISON is a project about joy and finding happiness despite the external world. The album is a conceptual and uncompromising hip hop project that brilliantly utilises samples to enrich the depth of the storyline developed throughout each song. There is a really interesting unity between the melody and the narrative, connecting the sound to the lyrics with this transcendent use of samples. The flow is heavy and rhythmic, feeling gritty and down to earth, without compromising its sound. The tone and cadence sometimes feel as if they come from a darker place than the positive and upbeat lyrics. This shows the dichotomy between the joy he is experiencing now and the pain that has come before.

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The first track, No More, uses a beautiful sample and a bold vocal style, introducing us to the key themes that establish the project’s DNA. The theme of overcoming adversity and growing into your true self along with your partner comes to the forefront from the very beginning. The higher register of the sample contrasts the depth of the vocal style, creating this sense of duality at the core of the track’s persona. This also mirrors the concept of finding the right partner in life. The sample almost works as a duet, flowing in sync with the lead vocal in a way which bolsters it and emphasises its strengths. Shining On Me is another high point. The vocal style feels more relaxed here. The mix in its production between rapping and singing comes across as very natural. The lead vocal leaves space for the “shining on me” sample.  The drums here also convey a hiss of sunbleached relaxation, demonstrating the true meaning of June In February. It has a rhythmic pulse and self assuredness that is hard to come across. The album as a whole is very special but this song felt like the moment when every aspect came together to work perfectly in unison. I’m really impressed with the way this project establishes and then builds on a key theme, staying true to itself and its sound throughout.